Madness
Away with the fairies
Meaning
Not facing reality; in a dream world.
Examples
She says she is going to star in Johnny Depp’s next movie. If you ask me, she’s away with the fairies.
Where did it originate?
From the Celtic folk belief in fairies.
Where is it used?
In Ireland, but also spreading to other countries.
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Cloud cuckoo-land
Meaning
An imaginary idealistic state where everything is perfect. It is usually used with reference to someone who has an overly optimistic and unrealistic belief.
Examples
If you think you can get a managerial job without any qualifications or experience you are living in cloud cuckoo-land.
Where did it originate?
‘Cloud cuckoo-land’ derives from a comment made by was coined by the 4th century BC Greek playwright Aristophanes in the whimsical and extravagant play The Birds. First used in English in the 1820s, in the United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
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Funny farm
Meaning
A mental hospital.
Examples
Sadly, Jack was so psychotic they had to take him to the funny farm.
Where is it used?
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Like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning
In a frenzied manner.
Examples
He was shouting and swearing because they had lost the contract – he was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Where did it originate?
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but not particularly common.
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Method to my madness
Meaning
Odd actions that appear meaningless but are done for a good reason.
Examples
Mixing cooking oil with the petrol might seem a little odd, but just wait, you’ll see there’s method in my madness.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 17th century. From Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as ‘though this is madness, yet there is method in it’.
Where is it used?
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Not playing with a full deck
Meaning
Someone who lacks intelligence.
Examples
I asked him to meet me in Derby and he went to Denby. Sometimes I don’t think he’s playing with a full deck.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 20th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but more common in Britain than elsewhere.
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