ask for the impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for the impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request or demand that is unrealistic or cannot be fulfilled. Example: "When she requested a raise of 50% after only a month on the job, I realized she was asking for the impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And "Be Realistic, Ask for the Impossible".

The New York Times - Magazine

Don't ask for the impossible when we have the moon.

The New York Times

"I think we were much better informed than the groups they're used to talking to," Mr. Cowen said, citing politicians who visit and "ask for the impossible".

The New York Times

On balance, therefore, we presidents don't ask for the impossible -- and my list this year is short -- but we do need your help on several issues that sometimes seem overwhelming.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is asking for the impossible.

The New York Times

"They're just asking for the impossible," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Procter was used to asking for the impossible.

The Guardian

It wasn't like she was asking for the impossible.

The New Yorker

To some degree, that may be asking for the impossible.

The New York Times

That I was asking for the impossible in seeking a role that interested me.

The Guardian - Tech

"Regulators are asking for the impossible," said Etay Katz, a banking regulatory partner at the law firm Allen & Overy in London.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask for the impossible", consider the tone you wish to convey. It can range from a lighthearted acknowledgement of something difficult to a more critical assessment of an unrealistic expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for the impossible" when the request is merely challenging but potentially achievable with effort. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the desired outcome is genuinely beyond reach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for the impossible" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a clause, where 'ask' acts as the verb and 'for the impossible' serves as the object. Ludwig examples show it describing unrealistic requests or demands.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for the impossible" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe making unrealistic requests. According to Ludwig, it primarily appears in News & Media contexts. While relatively rare, with only four exact examples found by Ludwig, it's readily understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Related phrases include "demand the unattainable" and "request the unachievable", offering similar meanings. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize the impracticality of a demand rather than a challenging goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demand the unattainable

Emphasizes a firm insistence on receiving something that is not realistically achievable; conveys a more forceful tone.

request the unachievable

Focuses on the act of asking, but specifically for something that cannot be accomplished; similar in tone but more formal.

seek the moon

Expresses pursuing something distant and hard to get, often because someone is acting foolishly.

demand the moon on a stick

Highlights an extreme and ridiculous request; often used to mock someone's demands.

pursue a pipe dream

Implies chasing an unrealistic fantasy or illusion; has a negative connotation.

cry for the moon

Denotes expressing a strong desire for something unattainable, often with a sense of sadness or futility.

aim for the stars

Suggests setting very high goals, even if they seem impossible; generally carries a positive connotation.

reach for the sky

Similar to "aim for the stars", indicating ambitious goals; often used to encourage effort.

bite off more than one can chew

Indicates taking on a task that is too large or difficult to handle; focuses on overestimation of ability.

expect a miracle

Implies that only a highly improbable event could fulfill the request; suggests desperation.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for the impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for the impossible" to describe a situation where someone is requesting something that is not realistically achievable. For instance, "Expecting immediate results in a long-term project is like asking for the impossible".

What can I say instead of "ask for the impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "demand the unattainable", "request the unachievable", or "aim for the stars" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ask for the impossible"?

It's appropriate when describing a request or expectation that is highly unrealistic or unattainable given the circumstances. This is often used to express frustration or point out the impracticality of a demand.

What's the difference between "ask for the impossible" and "set ambitious goals"?

"Ask for the impossible" implies the request is unrealistic and likely unachievable, while "set ambitious goals" suggests challenging yet potentially attainable objectives. The former often has a negative or critical connotation, whereas the latter is generally positive.