# leave the nest

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/leave-the-nest
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To leave home; to stop living with one's parents.

## Examples

- It is time for the young birds to leave the nest.
- Many parents feel sad when their children finally leave the nest to start their own lives.
- Although the transition was difficult, she felt ready to leave the nest and pursue her career in a distant city.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.