chase a rainbow: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘chase a rainbow’ mean?
The idiom "chase a rainbow" means pursuing something that is unattainable or unrealistic, similar to trying to catch something that is ethereal and elusive.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in your dreams" means that something is unlikely or impossible to happen in reality. It is often used as a dismissive response to indicate that someone's desire or suggestion is unrealistic.
The idiom "in one's wildest dreams" means beyond one's imagination or expectations, referring to something that is highly unlikely or unrealistic.
The idiom "in one's dreams" means that something is unlikely or impossible to happen. It is often used to dismiss someone's unrealistic or fanciful ideas.
The idiom "hunt where the ducks are" means to focus one's efforts and resources where one is most likely to succeed or find opportunities.
The idiom "hope against hope" means to continue hoping for something despite there being little or no chance of it happening.
The idiom "green indigo" refers to something that is rare or hard to find. This expression is used to describe something that is elusive or difficult to come across.
The idiom "go down the road" means to pursue a particular course of action or explore a certain path or avenue in life.
The idiom "give chase" means to pursue someone or something in order to catch or capture them.
The idiom "flight of fancy" refers to an impractical or extravagant idea or notion, often involving imagination or dreaming, that is unlikely to be accomplished in reality.
Idiomatic Mystique
The idiom "chase a rainbow" originates from the visual phenomenon known as a rainbow. A rainbow is a beautiful and natural occurrence that happens when light gets refracted, reflected, and dispersed through water droplets in the air. The result is a stunning display of colors in the form of an arc in the sky.
However, when we say "chase a rainbow" figuratively, we are not talking about the physical act of running after a rainbow. Instead, this idiom is used to describe the pursuit of something that is impossible or elusive.
Imagine, for a moment, trying to reach the end of a rainbow. As you move closer to it, the angle of observation changes, and the rainbow seems to move further away. No matter how fast or how far you run, the end of the rainbow always remains out of reach. This serves as a metaphor for chasing after something that cannot be caught or attained.
The idiom "chase a rainbow" is often used to describe an endeavor that is bound to fail or an aspiration that is without realistic possibility. It is a way of expressing that the pursuit of certain dreams or goals is futile and ultimately disappointing.
One related idiom that comes to mind is "chase rainbows." This phrase has a similar meaning to "chase a rainbow" and is often used interchangeably. It suggests pursuing something that is unattainable or unrealistic. It implies a sense of chasing after an illusion or a mirage. Just like chasing a rainbow, chasing rainbows leads to disappointment and wasted effort.
Another related idiom is "chase one's tail." This expression is used to describe an action that is repetitive, circular, and pointless. It often refers to someone who is going in circles, not making any progress, or unable to break free from a cycle of unproductive behavior. In a way, chasing one's tail is similar to chasing a rainbow – both activities are futile and do not lead to any meaningful results.
When we use the idiom "chase a rainbow" or its related idioms in everyday language, we are highlighting the need for realistic goals and prioritization. It serves as a reminder that some things are simply beyond reach and that it is important to focus our time and effort on pursuits that have a higher chance of success.
However, while the idiom may convey a sense of futility, it also holds an underlying message of hope and determination. It recognizes the human desire to reach for the extraordinary, even if the odds are stacked against us. The pursuit of dreams, even if they seem unattainable, is what drives us to push boundaries and create positive change.
The idiom "chase a rainbow" captures the essence of the human experience – the pursuit of dreams, the acceptance of limitations, and the recognition of the beauty and complexity of life's unpredictable journey. While it may be tempting to chase after the impossible, we must remember to prioritize and focus our efforts on pursuits that are realistic and have a higher chance of success. So let's put aside our fruitless endeavors and start chasing after dreams that are within our reach, leaving behind the futile act of chasing rainbows and our own tails.
Example usage
Here are 3 examples of how the idiom "chase a rainbow" can be used in a sentence:
- She spends her entire life chasing a rainbow, always searching for happiness but never finding it.
- Instead of focusing on realistic goals, he prefers to chase a rainbow, constantly pursuing unrealistic dreams.
- They are always chasing rainbows, hoping for a quick fix to their financial problems instead of working hard and saving money.
The idiom "chase a rainbow" is typically used metaphorically to describe someone's pursuit of something elusive or unattainable. It implies that the person is wasting time and effort on something that is unlikely to ever be achieved.
More "Ambition" idioms
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