Elamur: [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Parse](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/parse/) · **Dictionary** · [Translate](https://md.translate.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Research](https://md.research.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [MCP](https://mcp.elamur.ai/) · [Groupants](https://md.groupants.elamur.ai/free/en/)

[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/away-with-the-fairies/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [A](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/a/) / away with the fairies

# away with the fairies

phrase (idiom; informal)

«away with the fairies» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (informal) daydreaming, not paying attention.
2. (informal, unkind) slightly mad or confused.

### In the lessons

UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand; parents and teachers about a dreamy child; can also be about confusion in old age.

### Examples

- Sorry, I was away with the fairies — what did you say?
- Ellie is often away with the fairies in maths.
- Gran's a bit away with the fairies these days.
- Teacher: «Earth to Tom! You're away with the fairies.»
- Report: «He sometimes seems away with the fairies.»
- Mum: «Your dinner's getting cold — are you away with the fairies again?»

### Note

Stands for «not paying attention» or «confused». Not about real fairies. Kind about dreamers; unkind about real confusion or illness.