Fancy free

Meaning

The idiom "fancy free" means doing something pleasantly or amusingly without any responsibility or obligation. It's often used to describe someone who is carefree and spontaneous, taking things as they come.

Usage

• After finishing her work, Sarah decided to go out for a fancy-free evening with friends.
• We had a fancy-free day at the beach, playing games and relaxing in the sun.
• The musicians played the song with such passion that it felt like they were playing it just for fun, not for an audience.
• She decided to take a fancy-free trip to Europe and explore new cultures.
• The hiker was enjoying his fancy-free adventure in the mountains, taking in the breathtaking views.

Roots and History

The idiom "fancy free" dates back to the 16th century and comes from the phrase "fanciful fancy", which means something that's whimsical or fanciful. Over time, the phrase evolved to mean doing something without any obligation or responsibility.

Synonyms in English

• Carefree
• Spontaneous
• Amused
• Uninhibited
• Relaxed

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Chanson de geste (a literary genre that typically portrays heroism and chivalry)
• Spanish: Jubilación (a period of time when a person is no longer required to work)
• Italian: Libertà (freedom or liberty)
• German: Freizeit (leisure time)

Similar Idioms

• flog a dead horse

• fate worse than death

• fool’s paradise