Fly the nest
verb
When a young person leaves their parents' home to live somewhere else on their own, for the first time.
He's off to university next week. Our little boy is really about to fly the nest.
Often appears as...
- ready to fly the nest
- just flown the nest
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
When a young bird leaves its nest for the first time, learning to fly and live independently.
The baby birds have finally flown the nest and the mother bird no longer needs to feed them.
Often appears as...
- baby birds fly the nest
- eaglets fly the nest
verb
When a young person leaves their parents' home to live somewhere else on their own, for the first time.
He's off to university next week. Our little boy is really about to fly the nest.
Often appears as...
- ready to fly the nest
- just flown the nest
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
When a young bird leaves its nest for the first time, learning to fly and live independently.
The baby birds have finally flown the nest and the mother bird no longer needs to feed them.
Often appears as...
- baby birds fly the nest
- eaglets fly the nest
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Used figuratively for humans to mean gaining independence, not just moving out.
After getting his first job, Jamie was eager to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Undertone
Often implies mixed emotions, such as pride and sadness, especially for parents.
As she watched her daughter pack up for college, she knew it was time for her to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 3/3Life Milestone
Marks a significant personal development step in someone's life.
Turning 18, he felt it was the perfect moment to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Used figuratively for humans to mean gaining independence, not just moving out.
After getting his first job, Jamie was eager to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Undertone
Often implies mixed emotions, such as pride and sadness, especially for parents.
As she watched her daughter pack up for college, she knew it was time for her to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 3/3Life Milestone
Marks a significant personal development step in someone's life.
Turning 18, he felt it was the perfect moment to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Used figuratively for humans to mean gaining independence, not just moving out.
After getting his first job, Jamie was eager to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Undertone
Often implies mixed emotions, such as pride and sadness, especially for parents.
As she watched her daughter pack up for college, she knew it was time for her to fly the nest.
Pro Tip 3/3Life Milestone
Marks a significant personal development step in someone's life.
Turning 18, he felt it was the perfect moment to fly the nest.
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