25 English Idioms Relating to Dreams
Idioms Relating to Dreams
We all dream when we sleep at night. Dreams can be vivid, strange, mundane, or forgettable.
They have fascinated humans for thousands of years, sparking myths, stories, and creative expressions.
Dreams have also wormed their way into our everyday speech through the use of idioms and metaphors.
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning doesn’t directly match the literal definitions of the words in it.
Idioms add color, imagery and succinctness to our language.
We’re going to explore 25 different idioms related to the concept of dreams.
Let’s dive in!
1. Dream come true
Definition: When a long-held dream or deepest desire finally becomes a reality.
Example: Winning an Olympic gold medal was a dream come true for the dedicated athlete.
2. Pipe dream
Definition: An unattainable or unrealistic fantasy.
Example: Kathy’s pipe dream is to retire as a millionaire by age 30.
3. Daydream
Definition: Fantasizing or getting lost in thoughts while awake instead of concentrating.
Example: Bobby was daydreaming about summer vacation instead of listening in class.
4. Dreamboat
Definition: An extremely attractive person.
Example: All the girls had a crush on Tom because he was such a dreamboat.
5. Dream on!
Definition: An sarcastic way to dismiss someone’s idea as completely unrealistic.
Example: You think you can be a rock star? Dream on!
6. Sweet dreams
Definition: A way to wish someone pleasant dreams when they go to sleep.
Example: “Goodnight, sweet dreams,” Mom said as she turned out the light.
7. Dream team
Definition: A group of people with excellent skills and a proven track record.
Example: The company hired a dream team of engineers and designers.
8. Dream world
Definition: An imaginary realm divorced from reality.
Example: Video games allow you to virtually enter a dream world of fantasy.
9. Dream ticket
Definition: An amazing opportunity or a perfect situation.
Example: Getting into Harvard was the dream ticket for an Ivy League education.
10. Dream up
Definition: To formulate or invent an idea, especially an unconventional one.
Example: The eccentric architect dreamed up designs for a home shaped like a pyramid.
11. Dream of
Definition: To imagine or fantasize about something desired.
Example: Jane dreams of traveling to Paris one day.
12. In your dreams!
Definition: A sarcastic response dismissing someone’s desire as completely unrealistic.
Example: You think you can date a supermodel? In your dreams!
13. Dream merchant
Definition: Someone who engages in or profits from sales of ideas that aren’t realistic.
Example: That internet ad was created by dream merchants selling get-rich-quick schemes.
14. Sweet dream baby
Definition: A sentimental way to wish a child or loved one pleasant dreams.
Example: “Sweet dream baby,” she whispered as she tucked in her infant.
15. Dream on
Definition: To live in a world of delusion and unrealistic fantasies instead of facing reality.
Example: You can dream on all you want, but that promotion isn’t going to happen.
16. Dream job
Definition: A job that someone considers to be their ideal career and passion.
Example: Being a videogame designer was Mark’s dream job growing up.
17. Big dreams
Definition: Ambitious goals, aspirations or fantasies.
Example: Raj has big dreams of becoming a famous Bollywood film director one day.
18. American dream
Definition: The ideal that anyone can achieve prosperity and success through hard work.
Example: Owning a home and providing for your family is part of the American dream.
19. Dream girl/guy
Definition: A perceived ideal romantic partner.
Example: To me, Halle Berry was the dream girl with her beauty, talent and style.
20. Dreams of glory
Definition: Having ambitions or fantasies of achieving great fame or success.
Example: Many young athletes have dreams of glory in professional sports.
21. Dream car
Definition: The ideal or fantasy vehicle someone desires, often expensive or rare.
Example: A red Ferrari was Alex’s dream car growing up.
22. Dreams of grandeur
Definition: Exhibiting visions of great power, wealth, or status beyond one’s position.
Example: The ruthless dictator had dreams of grandeur by conquering neighboring lands.
23. Dream house
Definition: The perfect home that someone fantasizes about owning one day.
Example: Mary’s dream house has a huge kitchen, swimming pool, and beautiful backyard.
24. Dream vacation
Definition: The ultimate getaway trip that someone considers ideal.
Example: A dream vacation for Luke involves hiking through the Rocky Mountains.
25. Dream chaser
Definition: Someone who relentlessly pursues their ambitions or fantasies.
Example: Sara was a dream chaser who wouldn’t give up on her goal of being a novelist.
Those are 25 different colorful idioms relating to dreams.
Dreams clearly permeate human language and imagination in so many ways.
We fantasize, pursue ambitions, or get lost in reverie through dreams.
And we’ve created catchy phrases to capture different dream concepts and scenarios.
Sweet dreams!
Read more idioms:
- 25 English Idioms About Men and Women
- 25 Idioms Related to Language: Enhance Your Communication
- Love Idioms: 25 English Idioms About Romance
- Home Sweet Home: A Look at 25 Idioms About Home
- English Idioms: Age-Related Idioms Explained Simply
