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pipe dream

idiom · pipe-dream idiom

Pluralpipe dreams

2 meanings of pipe dream

Practice

  1. 1
    unlikely hopeidiomcountable
    A wish, idea, or plan that is very unlikely to come true or to work.

    For most people, winning the lottery is just a pipe dream.

    Without more money, the town's plans for a new pool are pipe dreams.

    Similarfantasy, illusion, delusion, daydream

    Note
  2. 2
    idiom · pipe-dreamintransitive
    To wish for or imagine something that is very unlikely to happen or work.

    Stop pipe-dreaming and start looking for a real job.

    Some kids pipe-dream about owning a whole candy factory.

    Similardaydream, fantasize, dream

    Note

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Origins

Meaning 1

From pipe + dream. It refers to the dreams people had when smoking opium in a pipe.

Meaning 2

From the noun pipe dream, meaning a wish, idea, or plan very unlikely to come true or work.