fly the coop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fly the coop" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means to escape, leave, or run away. It is typically used to describe a person or animal escaping from a confined space or situation. Example: After being trapped in the small office for hours, the claustrophobic woman couldn't wait to fly the coop and get some fresh air.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Take off and fly the coop.

The New York Times

Time for these two to fly the coop.

The New York Times

Mothers hit the road, fathers fly the coop.

The New York Times - Books

Today we must ask why Dave Winfield did not fly the coop.

The New York Times - Sports

Felicia, honey, when my ship comes in and you're ready to fly the coop like Ms. Koop: you're hired.

The New York Times

Michelangelo Antonioni's august and delicate "The Passenger" is the story of a man trying to fly the coop of himself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Now Ms. Gotzkowsky is flying the coop.

The New York Times - Arts

Cupid has flown the coop.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Alberto flew the coop," Ma said.

The New Yorker

Goodness knows, teams have flown the coop.

The New York Times - Sports

Bin Laden, though, had plainly flown the coop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fly the coop" when you want to convey a sense of sudden, often unauthorized departure or escape. It's most effective in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "fly the coop" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "leave", "escape", or "depart" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fly the coop" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of leaving or escaping a place or situation, often implying a sudden or unauthorized departure. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to depict both literal and figurative escapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fly the coop" is a versatile idiom that adds a touch of informality and vividness to the act of leaving or escaping. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in the News & Media. While it's best suited for informal contexts, its frequent appearance in reputable sources suggests it enjoys broad understanding. When aiming for formal or academic writing, opt for more neutral alternatives like ""leave"" or ""escape"". Remember to consider the context and desired tone to ensure your language aligns with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escape

This is a direct synonym emphasizing the act of getting free from confinement or a difficult situation.

take off

This is a more general term for leaving, but can imply a quick or unplanned departure.

flee

This suggests a rapid departure, often due to danger or fear.

run away

Implies leaving a place or situation, often because one is unhappy or afraid.

break free

This emphasizes the overcoming of restrictions or confinement.

bolt

This conveys a sudden and abrupt escape.

make off

This suggests a quick and often stealthy departure, usually with something.

slip away

This suggests leaving quietly and unnoticed.

abscond

This implies a secretive and often illegal departure.

clear out

This suggests emptying a place and leaving, often to avoid trouble.

FAQs

What does it mean to "fly the coop"?

To "fly the coop" means to escape, leave suddenly, or run away, often from a confined or restrictive situation.

How can I use "fly the coop" in a sentence?

You might say, "After years of working at the same company, he decided to "take off" and "fly the coop" to start his own business."

What are some alternatives to "fly the coop"?

Alternatives include "escape", "flee", "abscond", or simply "leave", depending on the specific context.

Is "fly the coop" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "fly the coop" is an informal idiom and is better suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. Use more direct and professional language in formal contexts.