a pipe dream

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pipe dream" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a wish or hope that is highly unlikely to ever come true. For example, "Winning the lottery was his pipe dream, but it never happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a pipe dream.

The New York Times

"It's not a pipe dream.

The New York Times

Or just a pipe dream?

The Washington Post

Is this a pipe dream?

The New York Times - Books

This is not a pipe dream.

The New York Times

That is a pipe dream.

The New York Times

It was a pipe dream.

The New York Times - Books

Is that a pipe dream?

The New York Times

But it's a pipe dream.

The Guardian

That's not just a pipe dream.

The Washington Post

Is all of this a pipe dream?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pipe dream", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is an aspiration that is highly improbable or impossible to achieve. For stronger impact, provide specific reasons why the dream is unrealistic.

Common error

Avoid using "a pipe dream" to describe a goal that is challenging but potentially achievable with effort and planning. "A pipe dream" implies near impossibility, so consider alternative phrases like "ambitious goal" or "long-term objective" if there's a reasonable chance of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pipe dream" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It characterizes a preceding subject, labeling it as an unrealistic or unattainable aspiration. Ludwig examples show the phrase's role in deeming plans or hopes as improbable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pipe dream" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a goal or plan that is considered unrealistic or impossible to achieve. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally negative in connotation, the phrase's register is neutral, appearing in both informal and analytical settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the improbability of the subject. Alternatives include "unrealistic expectation" or "flight of fancy" if a similar sentiment is needed. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wishful thinking

Focuses on the desire for something to be true, despite evidence to the contrary.

a pie in the sky

Stresses the unlikelihood of the promised benefit ever materializing.

an unrealistic expectation

Emphasizes the lack of grounding in reality of the expectation.

a flight of fancy

Highlights the imaginative and whimsical nature of the idea.

a castle in the air

Focuses on the impracticality and illusiveness of the plan.

a fantasy

Underlines the purely imaginary and unrealistic quality of the idea.

a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success, but with a slight chance still remaining.

a fool's errand

Highlights the futility and lack of purpose in pursuing the idea.

an illusion

Similar to delusion but suggests a more subtle form of deception.

a delusion

Implies a stronger sense of being misled or deceived about the possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a pipe dream" in a sentence?

You can use "a pipe dream" to describe an idea or plan that is very unlikely to happen. For example, "His ambition to become a professional athlete was "a pipe dream" since he never trained seriously."

What are some alternatives to saying "a pipe dream"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unrealistic expectation", "flight of fancy", or "pie in the sky".

Is "a pipe dream" a negative or positive expression?

"A pipe dream" is generally a negative expression, as it implies that something is not realistically achievable. It suggests a lack of practical possibility or feasibility.

What's the origin of the expression "a pipe dream"?

The expression "a pipe dream" refers to the visions or fantasies that can be induced by smoking opium in a pipe. Therefore it refers to something illusory, unrealistic, and ultimately unattainable.