flight of fancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flight of fancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an idea or daydream that is not based in reality. For example: "My plans for the future are just a flight of fancy until I can find a job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A flight of fancy?

Independent

Or merely for a flight of fancy.

The New York Times

Flight of Fancy: A Modern Love Story.

The Economist

Yes, I know this is a flight of fancy.

The New York Times

It's more than just a flight of fancy inside, though.

Independent

From Fleetwood to Eternity, the flight of fancy continues.

Independent

A. Thanks, dear reader, for your flight of fancy.

The New York Times

But "Joseph" was not entirely a flight of fancy.

The New York Times - Books

That's not in a flight of fancy or exaggeration.

The New York Times

Such speculation is not a flight of fancy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

PlayWorx builds flight-of-fancy "play environments" from glass-fiber-reinforced concrete meant to take a serious pounding.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "flight of fancy" to describe an idea or plan that is highly imaginative but unlikely to succeed, especially when tempering expectations or pointing out impracticality.

Common error

Avoid using "flight of fancy" to describe achievable goals or plans. This phrase is best suited for ideas that are clearly far-fetched or unrealistic, not simply ambitious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flight of fancy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes an idea or plan that is whimsical and unrealistic. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies something not based in reality. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate usage in describing plans or ideas that lack practicality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flight of fancy" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting an extremely imaginative or unrealistic idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, serving to express gentle skepticism towards impractical or far-fetched notions. While grammatically sound, remember to reserve its use for ideas that are truly out of touch with reality, as substituting it for feasible plans would be misleading. Consider synonyms like "pipe dream" or "fantasy" for a nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figment of imagination

Underscores the purely imaginative origin of the idea, with no basis in reality.

fantasy

A more general term for an imaginative creation, but can often imply unreality.

daydream

Highlights the pleasant, wishful aspect of the imaginative thought.

castle in the air

Emphasizes the unrealistic and unfounded nature of the idea.

pipe dream

Focuses on the unattainable nature of the idea.

whimsical notion

Suggests a playful and slightly eccentric idea.

utopian vision

Emphasizes the idealistic and often impractical nature of the idea.

fool's paradise

Implies a state of happiness based on false hopes or illusions.

empty promise

Highlights the lack of substance and potential for disappointment.

unfounded belief

Focuses on the lack of evidence or reason supporting the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "flight of fancy" in a sentence?

You can use "flight of fancy" to describe an idea or plan that's very imaginative but probably not realistic. For example, "His idea of starting a business on Mars seemed like a "flight of fancy"."

What's a good alternative to "flight of fancy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "pipe dream", "fantasy", or "figment of imagination" instead of "flight of fancy".

Is "flight of fantasy" the same as "flight of fancy"?

While similar, "flight of fancy" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Flight of fantasy" could also be used but may sound less natural. Stick to ""flight of fancy"" for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "flight of fancy" in writing?

Use "flight of fancy" when you want to convey that an idea is wildly imaginative and unrealistic, perhaps even amusingly so. It's suitable when discussing plans, dreams, or theories that are not grounded in reality, and you want to gently express skepticism.