fly the nest

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fly the nest

To move out of one's parents' house for the first time. I'm so nervous to fly the nest and start college this fall because I've never lived on my own before. I can't believe my little girl is getting ready to fly the nest. I'm so proud and so sad all at once!

See also: fly, nest

fly the nest

leave the nest

When children fly the nest or leave the nest, they leave their parents' home to live on their own. When their children had flown the nest, he and his wife moved to a cottage in Dorset. One day the children are going to leave the nest and have their own lives. Compare with fly the coop.

See also: fly, nest

fly the nest

(of a young person) leave their parent's home to set up home elsewhere. informal

The image here is of a young bird's departure from its nest on becoming able to fly. Compare with empty nester (at empty).

See also: fly, nest

ˌfly the ˈnest

1 (of a young bird) become able to fly and leave its nest
2 (informal) (of somebody’s child) leave home and live somewhere else: Their children have all flown the nest now.

See also: fly, nest

References in periodicals archive ?

In late August, the three chicks flew the nest successfully.

Rare marsh harrier raises chicks in secret

Two of the birds flew the nest at the same time, though the third - the smallest and most cautious of the trio - proved more reluctant, before finally fledging this week.

Osprey chicks fledge; Trio's race to against time to learn skills

IT USED to be that parents worried what they would do once children flew the nest.

Real life: Coping when kids don't grow up and move out

Wee Man, a three feet tall African vulture, flew the nest more than a week ago - and looks to be pursuing a new career as a Christmas tree fairy.

I'm staying up here until Christmas; ..BECAUSE I THINK I LOOK GOOD ON TOP OF THE TREE

The council had hoped to continue its campaign against the demolition of the building, which is located off Bransford Road, St John's, until the sparrows flew the nest - which would normally have been in September.

Fight goes on to rescue pavilion from bulldozer

Pigeon fanciers flew the nest from Teesside to take part in an international show which helps raise charity funds.