flies the coop
Makes a getaway
To fly the coop is to escape or leave suddenly, especially from confinement or an unwanted situation.
The image is of a chicken escaping its enclosure.
Someone might fly the coop from prison, a boring party, or their parents' house: The kids flew the coop as soon as they turned eighteen.
The phrase often implies departure without permission or notice.
- flewTraveled through air
- hit the roadBegin one's journey
- hit the bricksDepart abruptly or strike
- break outTo suddenly emerge or escape
- break looseSuddenly become free
escape · make a break for it · abscond · skip town · bolt · leave · take off · exit · sneak out · roost · liberate · cut loose · jump ship · migrate · elope · head for the hills · cut and run · evade
flies the coopstays put
Remains in place
remains · sticks around · hangs around · holds tight · sits tight
flies the coopcomes back
Arrives once more
goes back · surrenders · submits · checks in