spreading wings
Extending for takeoff
Spreading wings describes the literal action of a bird extending its wings outward, typically before flight or to dry feathers.
Figuratively, it means beginning to act independently or explore new possibilities, especially when leaving a protected environment: It's time for her to spread her wings and see the world.
The image suggests readiness for flight—growth, freedom, and self-reliance.
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- taking flightBeginning to fly
- soarAscend to heights
- open skyUnobstructed atmosphere above
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
unfurling · takeoff · first flight · freedom · stretch · stretch out · glide · eagle · bird of prey · bird · lift · air · rise · expand · flutter · launch · nest · leaving the nest
- adolescencepuberty, teenager, coming-of-age, growing up, teen
- independencefreedom, liberty, Independence Day, autonomy, sovereignty
spreading wingsholding back
Preventing forward movement
playing it safe · staying put · staying home · settling · stagnating
spreading wingsgrounded
Stable and realistic
earthbound · flightless · landed · wingless · tethered
spread, spreads, spreader, spreaders, spreading, wing, wings, winged, winging