Fly the coop

usgb
verb

To leave or escape from a place or situation, usually without telling anyone.

After years of being treated poorly by his boss, Jake finally decided to fly the coop and start his own company.
Visual representation of "fly the coop" - To leave or escape from a place or situation, usually without telling anyone.

Often appears as...

  • decide to fly the coop
  • threaten to fly the coop

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "fly the coop"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Escape Metaphor

Imagine a chicken escaping from a coop; it signifies gaining freedom or leaving restrictions.

Illustration for Escape Metaphor
Tired of the strict rules at home, she decided to fly the coop when she turned 18.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sneaky Departure

It implies leaving quietly without informing others, often to avoid confrontation.

Illustration for Sneaky Departure
He didn't want to cause a scene, so he chose to fly the coop early in the morning.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasize Frustration

It's often used when someone leaves a place out of frustration or dissatisfaction.

Illustration for Emphasize Frustration
The employees threatened to fly the coop if conditions didn't improve.
Visual representation of the word "Fly the coop"

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