fly the coop — to escape or leave suddenly, especially from a place where one has been confined or controlled
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to escape or leave suddenly, especially from a place where one has been confined or controlled
Pronunciation (IPA): /flaɪ ðə kuːp/
Example Sentences
- When my helicopter parents went on vacation, I finally flew the coop and threw a pizza party!
- The company's best employees keep flying the coop for better opportunities.
- My goldfish tried to fly the coop, but unfortunately, it can't actually fly.
fly the coop
VERB[/flaɪ ðə kuːp/]
to escape or leave suddenly, especially from a place where one has been confined or controlled
The teenagers decided to fly the coop and sneak out for a midnight road trip.
The chickens fly the coop past the scoop-holding troop!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This American slang phrase originated from the literal image of a chicken flying away from its coop to escape. Dating from the mid-19th century, it metaphorically compares escaping an oppressive or restrictive environment to a bird breaking free from its enclosure.
Breakdown
fly (to move through the air, to escape) + the coop (a chicken enclosure or cage). The phrase uses the poultry imagery as a metaphor for breaking free from confinement.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When my helicopter parents went on vacation, I finally flew the coop and threw a pizza party!”
“The company's best employees keep flying the coop for better opportunities.”
“My goldfish tried to fly the coop, but unfortunately, it can't actually fly.”
“After graduation, most students are eager to fly the coop and start their careers.”
📚Related Words
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