in your dreams: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in your dreams’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "I wish" is used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible to happen in reality. It enables people to communicate their hopes or dreams, often highlighting a contrast between what is desired and what is actually true.
The idiom "in vain" means to do something without achieving the desired outcome or result. It emphasizes the futility or lack of success in one's efforts.
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 "if only" is used to express a strong wish or regret about something that is impossible or unlikely to happen. It conveys a sense of nostalgia or longing for a different outcome.
The idiom "I'd like to see someone try" means expressing a strong desire to witness someone attempt something perceived as challenging or impossible. It implies doubt or skepticism about the person's ability to succeed.
The idiom "hope against hope" means to continue hoping for something despite there being little or no chance of it happening.
The idiom "have other ideas" means to disagree or have a different plan or opinion than what has been suggested or expected.
Meaning: To become optimistic or expectant about something, often to later be disappointed when it doesn't happen as anticipated.
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.
Elusive nocturnal fantasies
in one's dreams is a related idiom that shares a similar meaning to in your dreams. It is used to convey disbelief or skepticism towards a statement or proposition. The phrase suggests that the thing or situation being discussed is so unlikely or impossible that it can only exist in one's dreams.
in one's wildest dreams is another related idiom that is similar in meaning to in your dreams. This phrase is used to express the idea that something is so unlikely or unexpected that it could only occur in the wildest, most imaginative dreams.
I wish is a common phrase that is often used to express desires or hopes for something that one does not currently have. It can be seen as a more polite or less dismissive version of in your dreams, conveying a sense of longing or yearning for something that may be difficult or unlikely to attain.
castle in the air is another related idiom that reflects the idea of something being unrealistic or unattainable. It refers to an ambitious or far-fetched plan or idea that is unlikely to ever come to fruition.
These related idioms further emphasize the concept of in your dreams, conveying a sense of disbelief or doubt towards something that is unlikely or impossible to happen.
The idiom in your dreams is commonly used in informal conversations, casual speech, and various forms of media. It is often accompanied by a tone of sarcasm or humor, depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
In one's dreams, on the other hand, carries a similar meaning to in your dreams. It suggests that the thing or situation being discussed is so unlikely or impossible that it can only exist in one's dreams.
In one's wildest dreams takes the idea of disbelief or skepticism even further. It implies that the thing being discussed is not only unlikely, but also beyond what one could have ever imagined or expected.
Using the phrase "I wish" allows for a more polite or less dismissive expression of desire or hope. It conveys a sense of longing or yearning for something that may be difficult or unlikely to attain, without outright dismissal or disbelief.
Castle in the air paints a picture of an ambitious or grand plan that is unlikely to ever come to fruition. It emphasizes the unrealistic or unattainable nature of the thing being discussed.
These related idioms add depth and nuance to the concept of in your dreams, capturing different shades of disbelief, skepticism, and longing for something unlikely or impossible.
Overall, the idiom in your dreams and its related idioms are valuable expressions in the English language that allow for concise and vivid communication of doubt, skepticism, and longing for something that may be beyond reach. Whether used humorously, sarcastically, or in a more sincere manner, these idioms provide a nuanced way of conveying disbelief and desire in everyday conversations and literary works.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *in your dreams* can be used in a sentence:
- "I asked my boss for a raise, but he just laughed and said 'In your dreams!'"
- "If you think you can convince me to lend you my car, well, in your dreams!"
- "She believed she could become a famous actress, but her talent was nonexistent. In her dreams, maybe."