Away with the fairies
Meaning
To be out of touch with reality, dreamy, or impractical, often implying a whimsical or naive state of mind.
Origin
In the mystical heartlands of ancient Britain and Ireland, whispered tales warned against venturing too deep into the woods at twilight. For there, mischievous fairies lurked, ready to spirit away unsuspecting mortals into their enchanted realms. Those who returned from these otherworldly encounters were never quite the same, often appearing disoriented, dreamy, and utterly detached from the mundane realities of their former lives. Their minds, it was said, were still wandering in the fae lands. This deep-rooted folklore, steeped in the belief of the 'otherworld' and its captivating inhabitants, provides the vivid canvas for the phrase, painting a picture of someone whose thoughts have drifted far beyond the practical, as if they've been whisked away to dance with the fairies themselves.
Examples
- He's always coming up with these wild, unfeasible plans; I swear he's away with the fairies.
- When she started talking about talking trees and invisible friends, I knew she was completely away with the fairies.