hitch one’s wagon to a star: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hitch one's wagon to a star’ mean?
The idiom "hitch one's wagon to a star" means to ambitiously attach oneself to someone or something of great success or influence in the hope of achieving similar success or recognition.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "star vehicle" refers to a movie or a show that is created specifically to showcase and highlight the talents and popularity of a particular actor or actress, often at the expense of other elements like the plot or script. It is a term commonly used in the entertainment industry.
The idiom "latch onto" means to quickly understand or grasp something, often an idea or concept. It implies a swift and strong attachment or connection to the subject matter.
The idiom "knock a buzzard off a shit wagon" means to succeed in accomplishing a difficult or unlikely task.
The idiom "jump on the bandwagon" means to join or support a popular trend or cause, often without much thought or consideration.
The idiom "hop the wag" means to escape or sneak away, often from a situation or responsibility. It is similar to the idiom "jump ship" and is believed to originate from wagons used in transportation.
The idiom "hit it big" means to achieve great success or win a large amount of money, often unexpectedly or after a long period of hard work.
The idiom "hitch one's wagon to" means to attach oneself or one's ambitions to someone or something more powerful or successful in order to benefit from their success or support. It implies relying on the other person or thing for progress or advancement.
The idiom "hang up one's fiddle" means to retire or give up something that one has been doing for a long time, especially a skill or talent.
The idiom "hang up one's boots" means to retire or stop working, especially in the context of a specific career or activity.
The idiom *hang upon* means to be dependent on or influenced by someone or something.
Unleashing Cosmic Ambitions
The idiom "hitch one's wagon to a star" encourages individuals to have high aspirations and ambitious goals in life. It suggests aligning oneself with something greater or more powerful to achieve excellence or success. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist, poet, and philosopher.
Emerson's essay "Civilization," published in 1862, contains a passage that is believed to have inspired the idiom. In the passage, Emerson writes, "Hitch your wagon to a star. Let us not fag in paltry works which serve our pot and bag alone. Let us not lie and steal. No god will help. We shall find all their teams going the other way, — Charles's Wain, Great Bear, Orion, Leo, Hercules: — every god will leave us. Work rather for those interests which the divinities honor and promote, — justice, love, freedom, knowledge, utility."
It is worth mentioning that the meaning of "hitch one's wagon to a star" has evolved over time. Today, it is commonly used to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness, rather than settling for mediocrity.
The metaphor of hitching a wagon to a star signifies aiming for lofty and ambitious goals, comparable to the grandeur of celestial bodies. It serves as a reminder that by aligning oneself with greatness and aiming high, one can achieve extraordinary things. Just as hitching a wagon to a star would propel it to great heights, hitching one's ambitions to a grand vision or purpose can propel one towards success and fulfillment.
This idiom is often employed in motivational contexts, encouraging individuals to dream big, set audacious goals, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence. It emphasizes the importance of aiming for greatness and pushing one's limits to achieve remarkable outcomes.
While the precise origin and widespread usage of this idiom remain elusive, it continues to resonate with individuals who seek inspiration, aspire to reach for the stars, and fulfill their potential in all aspects of life.
To "hitch one's wagon to" implies aligning oneself with a powerful force or influential figure. It suggests forming a partnership or association for mutual benefit or success. By hitching one's wagon to a star, it signifies connecting one's aspirations and goals to something or someone with significant influence or power, propelling one towards success.
"hang one's hat" is another idiomatic expression that signifies finding a temporary or permanent place to settle or reside. When related to "hitch one's wagon to a star," it suggests finding a destination or goal where one's aspirations and ambitions can be realized and achieved. By hanging one's hat on a star, it symbolizes finding a place of purpose and fulfillment.
"hang the moon" is a figurative expression that conveys the idea of regarding someone or something with great admiration, adoration, or awe. In relation to "hitch one's wagon to a star," it highlights the concept of aiming for greatness and aligning oneself with someone or something extraordinary. By hitching one's wagon to a star, one aspires to be among the best and most revered.
"hang upon" is a phrase that suggests depending on or relying heavily on someone or something. When applied to "hitch one's wagon to a star," it indicates relying on a powerful force or influential factor to achieve desired outcomes. By hitching one's wagon to a star, individuals place their trust and reliance on something greater to guide and propel them towards success.
The idiom "hitch one's wagon to a star" encourages individuals to aim high and set ambitious goals. It implies aligning oneself with greatness and aiming for extraordinary achievements. Though its exact origins and widespread usage are unclear, this idiom continues to inspire individuals to dream big, strive for excellence, and fulfill their potential. By hitching one's wagon to a star, individuals can connect their aspirations and ambitions to powerful forces or influential figures, find a place of purpose and fulfillment, aspire for greatness and admiration, and rely on significant factors to achieve success.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hitch one's wagon to a star" can be used in a sentence:
- She decided to hitch her wagon to a star by starting her own business and aiming for great success.
- He believed that if he could hitch his wagon to a star and work with the most influential people in his industry, he would achieve his goals faster.
- Instead of settling for a mediocre job, she chose to hitch her wagon to a star and pursue her dream career as an actress.
More "Motivation" idioms
