away with the fairies

Definition

Not all there; slightly crazy.

Etymology

Based around the common belief in Celtic and British Isles folklore that fairies were prone to either kidnapping people or robbing them of their wits.

Example Sentences

• "Now, I know the story is away with the fairies, but he produces a body and I take him down to the station to talk to the detectives."
• "That was so ridiculous I laughed. A smile would crack Alison's poetic persona so she looked serious. She put her thin hand to her cheek like a lady writer in a photograph with eyes that could penetrate surfaces. She was certainly away with the fairies."
• "Hobday was wild, mad, and totally away with the fairies."