IdiomThe AbsurdEnglish

away with the fairies

Meaning: Daydreaming, or not quite in touch with reality.

Example: “Grandpa's been away with the fairies all afternoon, humming to himself in the garden.”

Origin: From the folk belief in Britain and Ireland that fairies could carry people off, leaving them dazed or strange. The phrase is common in British and Irish English from the 20th century.

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