away with the fairies

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.

• "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."
• "Don't believe a word he says, pet. He's away with the fairies."
• "Goodness, you were away with the fairies then! Did you hear me? I asked if you wanted another cup of tea?"
• "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?”"
• "Mohandas Lakesh Singh's thoughts were far away when Donald Bry placed the report on his desk. Lakesh responded with a jump of sudden surprise. “I'm sorry,” Bry apologized. “I didn't realize you were—” “Think nothing of it, Donald,” Lakesh assured with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I was just...away with the fairies.”"

• away with the pixies