going away: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘going away’ mean?

An idiom used to describe someone leaving or departing. It implies a physical or metaphorical departure from a place or situation.

Idiom Explorer

Unveiling Departure's Essence

Going away is an idiom in the English language used to describe a person's departure or leaving from a particular place. It can refer to leaving one's home, workplace, or any other location. This idiom is often used in casual conversations and can be found in various contexts.

When someone says they are "going away," it means they are leaving a specific place. This can be used to describe someone leaving their home for a vacation or a business trip. It can also be used to refer to someone leaving their workplace at the end of the day. In these instances, "going away" is a simple way to indicate that someone is leaving and will not be present for a period of time.

However, the idiom "going away" can also be used figuratively to describe distancing oneself emotionally or mentally from a situation. This can mean detaching or disengaging from a particular event or experience. For example, if someone is dealing with a difficult situation, they might say they are "going away" mentally to take a break and regain their emotional balance.

Another way the idiom "going away" can be understood is by considering its association with certain idioms: "strike the tent", "has left the building", "depart with", and "fly off". These idioms add depth to the concept of "going away" by providing additional context and imagery.

I am going away to categorize my list.

The idiom "strike the tent" is a phrase often used to describe the act of dismantling and packing up a campsite. While it may not directly relate to physical travel, it can be used metaphorically to indicate a departure or the end of a specific situation. When someone says they are "going away" and "striking the tent," they are conveying the idea that they are leaving a place or situation behind and moving on to something new.

"Going away" can also be associated with the idiom "has left the building." This phrase is commonly used to describe the departure of a performer or public figure from an event or venue. It originated from the announcements made at the end of Elvis Presley's concerts, stating that "Elvis has left the building." When applied to the idiom "going away," it emphasizes the finality of the departure and the person's intention not to return.

The idiom "depart with" is another phrase that can be linked to "going away." It implies a sense of parting and separation. When someone says they are "going away" and "departing with" something, it suggests that they are leaving behind a person, thing, or situation. For example, if someone decides to quit their job, they might say they are "going away" and "departing with" the stress and unhappiness associated with the position.

Finally, the idiom "fly off" can be connected to "going away" in the sense of physical travel. When someone says they are "going away" and "flying off," it indicates that they are embarking on a journey, either by plane or metaphorically. This adds a sense of adventure and excitement to the idea of "going away," suggesting that it is not just a departure but also a chance to explore new places and experiences.

"going away" is a versatile idiom that can be used to describe a person's departure or leaving from a specific place or situation. It can also convey emotional or mental detachment and a sense of finality. The associated idioms, such as "strike the tent," "has left the building," "depart with," and "fly off," add depth and imagery to the concept of "going away." Whether used literally or figuratively, this idiom is a widely recognized and frequently used phrase in the English language.

Example usage

Examples:

  • I am going away on vacation next week.
  • She is going away to college in the fall.
  • They are going away for the weekend to visit family.

More "Farewell" idioms