hopes were dashed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hopes were dashed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a situation or event that causes disappointment or frustration, particularly when something that was anticipated or desired does not come to fruition. Example: After months of hard work and preparation, our team's hopes were dashed when we lost the championship game in the last seconds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"These hopes were dashed".

The New York Times

But her hopes were dashed.

The Guardian

At Cambridge his hopes were dashed.

The Guardian

Within five minutes, their hopes were dashed.

The Guardian

Oh, how those hopes were dashed.

The Guardian

Hopes were dashed for a big breakthrough in obesity treatment.

The New York Times

But when we looked outside, our hopes were dashed.

The Guardian - Travel

But all hopes were dashed when the rebels arrived.

The New York Times - Arts

But, Dr. Bach added, his hopes were dashed.

The New York Times - Health

But, in each case, those hopes were dashed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Liberians' hopes were dashed by American recognition of the results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "hopes were dashed" to add emotional weight when describing situations where expectations are severely unmet. It's particularly effective in narratives or reports where a sense of anticipation and subsequent disappointment is central to the story.

Common error

Avoid using "hopes were dashed" in trivial situations, as it can sound melodramatic. Reserve it for scenarios where the disappointment is significant and impactful, otherwise it might appear exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hopes were dashed" functions primarily as a statement expressing disappointment or the failure of expectations. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use to describe the thwarting of aspirations in various contexts, from personal ambitions to broader societal expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Opinion

10%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hopes were dashed" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe situations where expectations are severely unmet, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, although it’s predominantly found in news and media, opinion pieces, and travel writing. While effective for conveying disappointment, it should be reserved for significant letdowns to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives like "expectations were deflated" or "dreams were shattered" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Therefore, consider your context and desired impact when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expectations were deflated

Changes the focus to the lessening of expectations rather than the complete failure of hope.

anticipation turned to disappointment

Highlights the shift from positive expectation to negative feelings.

dreams were shattered

Emphasizes a more profound sense of loss and broken aspirations compared to the original phrase.

aspirations were thwarted

Highlights the active prevention of achieving ambitions, adding a sense of external interference.

visions crumbled

Emphasizes the destruction of an ideal or a desired future.

plans fell through

Focuses on the failure of a specific plan or arrangement, rather than a general feeling of hope being lost.

bright hopes turned sour

Focuses on the negative transformation of initial positive expectations.

optimism faded away

Describes a gradual decline in positive outlook, rather than a sudden disappointment.

prospects diminished

Indicates a reduction in the likelihood of success or positive outcomes.

ambitions came to nothing

Focuses on the complete lack of outcome from one's ambitions.

FAQs

What does "hopes were dashed" mean?

The phrase "hopes were dashed" means that someone's expectations or desires were abruptly and severely disappointed. It suggests a strong contrast between initial optimism and a negative outcome.

How can I use "hopes were dashed" in a sentence?

You can use "hopes were dashed" to describe situations where anticipated positive outcomes failed to materialize. For example: "Their "hopes of winning" were dashed when their star player was injured."

What are some alternatives to "hopes were dashed"?

Alternatives include "expectations were deflated", "dreams were shattered", or "plans fell through". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of disappointment you want to convey.

Is "hopes were dashed" a formal or informal expression?

"Hopes were dashed" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in journalistic or narrative writing. In very formal settings, you might opt for a more neutral phrase like "expectations were not met."