the empty nest

empty nest

A family home inhabited by parents after their children have grown up and departed. Many parents feel depressed when they are left in an empty nest. Now that our youngest is away at college, my husband and I are adjusting to our empty nest syndrome. I thought I would enjoy having a quiet house again, but it actually makes me sad—I guess my heart wasn't ready for an empty nest.

See also: empty, nest

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

the ˌempty ˈnest

the situation that parents are in when their children have left home: the empty nest syndrome

See also: empty, nest

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017