away with the fairies

Adjective

away with the fairies (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) Not all there; slightly crazy.
   • 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.2000, Peter Watt, Cry of the Curlew
   • 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.2001, Finola Moorhead, Darkness More Visible

   Synonyms:

   away with the pixies

2. (idiomatic) Synonym of lost in thought; distracted or daydreaming.
   • Goodness, you were away with the fairies then! Did you hear me? I asked if you wanted another cup of tea?2012, Hannah Richell, Secrets of the Tides, →ISBN, page 106
   • Shaunna was suddenly in front of him, her voice bringing him back from wherever he'd been. “Hm?” “Are you all right, hun?” “Yeah. Why?” “You were away with the fairies there. Are you making tea?”2014, Debbie McGowan, Crying in the Rain, →ISBN, page 55

   Synonyms:

   lost in thought

3. (idiomatic) Fast asleep.