For a young bird to grow its feathers and become ready to fly, or for a young person to become independent and mature.
From Old English 'flycge' or 'fleoge,' related to 'flight' and 'fly.' Originally meant specifically developing flight feathers; metaphorically extended to any young creature becoming independent.
Birds must 'fledge' before they can leave the nest, and the word is literally built from the same root as 'flight'—nature designed it so feathers and freedom arrive together!
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