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# footloose and fancy-free

phrase (adjective phrase, idiom: footloose and fancy-free)

«footloose and fancy-free» 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. (idiom, often a euphemism) free from responsibilities, especially not married or in a relationship, and able to go where you want.
2. (literal-ish) free to travel and do what you like.

### In the lessons

A cheerful, old-fashioned way to say someone is single or has no ties; used in stories, songs, gossip and travel writing. Light and humorous, all regions.

### Examples

- Since he finished college, he's been footloose and fancy-free.
- She spent a year footloose and fancy-free, travelling around Australia.
- "Still footloose and fancy-free?" Aunt Jean asked my cousin.
- The sailor was footloose and fancy-free until he met the princess.
- With the kids grown up, Grandma feels footloose and fancy-free.
- Our dog is footloose and fancy-free when the gate is open.
- He likes being footloose and fancy-free and won't settle down.
- The song is about a footloose and fancy-free summer.

### Note

Trap: «fancy» here is an old word for love or liking, so «fancy-free» means not in love. Plain meaning: single and without ties. Can sound like teasing when relatives ask.