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# went to live on a farm

phrase (verb phrase, «went to live on a farm», «sent to live on a farm»)

«went to live on a farm» 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. (euphemism, said to children, US) the pet died or was put down.
2. (literal) moved to live on a farm.

### In the lessons

Parents tell young children a pet «went to live on a farm» to avoid explaining death; a famous example, now often used as a joke by adults who later realised the truth. Experts say it is better to tell children gently and honestly.

### Examples

- (parent) "Where's Buster?" "He went to live on a farm, sweetie."
- (joke, adult) I was 15 before I realised our dog didn't really go to live on a farm.
- (chat) my childhood hamster "went to live on a farm" 👀
- (literal) Our cousins went to live on a farm in Wales.
- (literal) The rescued horse went to live on a farm with lots of grass.
- (advice) It's kinder to tell children the truth: the pet has died.

### Note

Trap: often literal (people or animals really move). In a child's story about a missing pet, it hides death. Honest, gentle words help children grieve.