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

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.

My impossible dream turned into wishful thinking.

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:

  1. "I asked my boss for a raise, but he just laughed and said 'In your dreams!'"
  2. "If you think you can convince me to lend you my car, well, in your dreams!"
  3. "She believed she could become a famous actress, but her talent was nonexistent. In her dreams, maybe."

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