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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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Away with the fairies