live the dream: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘live the dream’ mean?
The idiom "live the dream" means to experience and enjoy a lifestyle or situation that is ideal or extraordinary, often associated with achieving one's goals or desires.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
An idiom meaning to feel extremely happy and successful.
The idiom "make the most of" means to use or take advantage of something in the best possible way, typically in order to maximize its benefits or potential.
The idiom "make the best of one's way" means to do the best one can in a given situation or make the most favorable decision possible.
The idiom "make something of oneself" means to achieve success or become accomplished in a particular field, often through hard work and determination.
The idiom "make a career of" means to devote one's professional life or make a long-term commitment to a particular occupation or field of work.
The idiom "live paycheck to paycheck" means to spend all of one's income each month, barely managing to cover expenses without being able to save any money for emergencies or future needs.
The idiom *live over the brush* means to live outside the bounds of conventional societal expectations or norms, usually involving unconventional relationships or behavior.
The idiom "live on the edge" means to lead a risky or dangerous life, often seeking excitement or adrenaline. It implies a willingness to take risks and venture into uncertain or unconventional situations.
The idiom "live one" is typically used to describe someone who is adventurous and willing to take risks. It refers to a person who embraces life fully and seeks out new experiences and opportunities, often without hesitation or fear. They have a zest for life and enjoy living in the moment.
Unleashing the Essence
The idiom "live the dream" is a commonly used phrase in English, typically used to express the idea of living a desirable or fulfilling life, often associated with achieving success or reaching one's goals. It is a figurative expression that conveys the notion of realizing one's aspirations or ambitions.
The origin of the idiom is unclear, as it has evolved over time through common usage. The word "dream" in this context relates to the imaginative realm of possibilities and aspirations.
The idiom is frequently used in a positive sense, suggesting that someone is living in a manner that aligns with their personal vision of a successful or happy life. It can be used to describe individuals who have achieved their goals, attained a certain level of wealth or status, or are engaged in activities that bring them personal satisfaction.
In popular culture, the idiom is often associated with achieving a high level of success, particularly in fields such as entertainment, sports, or entrepreneurship. It encompasses the notion of living a life characterized by material wealth, recognition, or personal fulfillment.
The related idiom "live it up" is often used interchangeably with "live the dream" to imply a more extravagant or indulgent lifestyle. "Live it up" suggests enjoying life to its fullest, embracing opportunities for pleasure and self-indulgence.
"live a lie," on the other hand, is a contrasting idiom that suggests a life lived in a dishonest or deceptive manner. It implies pretending to be someone or something that one is not, often to maintain a façade or hide true feelings or intentions.
While the idiom "live the dream" is frequently used in an aspirational context, it can also be employed ironically to highlight a contrast between an idealized view of success and the reality of someone's circumstances. In this sense, the phrase may be used to convey a sense of sarcasm or skepticism about whether achieving the "dream" is actually attainable or worth pursuing.
The idiom "live the dream" encapsulates the universal desire for a life that is seen as fulfilling, successful, or ideal. It reflects the aspiration to achieve personal goals and experience a sense of contentment and satisfaction. Despite its broad usage and positive connotations, the idiom can also be employed ironically to highlight the complexities and challenges of pursuing one's dreams. Thus, the phrase holds both the promise of fulfillment and the recognition of the potential pitfalls and uncertainties that may accompany the pursuit of one's aspirations.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "live the dream" can be used in a sentence:
- After years of hard work, winning the lottery allowed him to finally live the dream.
- She quit her job to pursue her passion for travel and now she's living the dream.
- He saved up enough money to start his own business and now he's living the dream of being his own boss.
More "topic" idioms
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