idiotic hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "idiotic hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hope that is perceived as foolish or unrealistic. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence against it, she clung to her idiotic hope that everything would turn out fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

My first attempt involved selecting my favourite 25 sonnets in the idiotic hope that, somehow, most of them would just fit.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, if it had not been for that young idiot, who has become, I hope, less idiotic with time, my character would not have been able to reveal this little moment in his past, which I hope the reader finds to be an intriguing hint into the nature and history of the mysterious Fixxer.

Huffington Post

But the proud announcement by Tees Valley Regeneration that it has commissioned two creators (Kapoor and structural engineer Cecil Balmond) whose public works are "known around the world for their size, complexity and the ambition of their vision" betrays the kind of idiotic vanity that makes you hope the outsize monuments rapidly rust, get covered in graffiti and collapse.

The Guardian - Arts

According to tvtropes.org, to be a "Kimberly", is to be "a character so idiotic that you really start to hope that he or she dies even though he or she is ostensibly a protagonist".

Independent

I dared to feel a moment of hope this week, after the idiotic Missouri congressman and senatorial candidate Todd Akin, while discussing abortion rights and why nobody should have them, insisted that "legitimate rape", as he put it, rarely leads to pregnancy.

The Guardian - Opinion

If, on the other hand, you do something completely idiotic that is tangential to what voters most hope or fear about you, then you tend to get a pass.

The New York Times

"It makes the white of that eye look so lovely and clear" was one of the idiotic but pardonable things my mother would say, in the hope of helping me to admire myself.

The New Yorker

Of course, it would be idiotic to suggest that publishers should rush back to print, in the hope of emulating the Economist.

TechCrunch

I hope that no one I know is ever inducted into your idiotic 'Hall of Fame.' " One wonders what will happen in 2011, when Nirvana, Cobain's old group, will most likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The New York Times - Arts

Ranting about his idiotic existence, fearing the contagion of the stupidity that surrounds him, Michael Siberry as Astrov gives voice to the dashed hopes of us all.

The New York Times

Extraordinarily idiotic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "idiotic hope", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the hope is considered foolish or unrealistic. Providing specific reasons enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "idiotic hope" in situations where the hope is merely optimistic or slightly improbable. Reserve it for scenarios where the foolishness is genuinely apparent, preventing the phrase from sounding hyperbolic or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idiotic hope" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "idiotic" modifies the noun "hope". It describes a specific type of hope characterized by foolishness or irrationality. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing unrealistic expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "idiotic hope" is used to describe a hope that is considered foolish or unrealistic. While grammatically correct, its usage is rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and alternative phrases like "foolish hope" or "unrealistic expectation" can be used for variety. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reasons behind the assessment of foolishness to prevent misinterpretation. Avoid overuse in situations that are only mildly improbable. Overall, "idiotic hope" serves to express disapproval of unrealistic expectations but should be used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foolish hope

Replaces "idiotic" with "foolish", maintaining a similar level of negativity and implying a lack of good judgment.

unrealistic expectation

Shifts the focus from hope to expectation, highlighting the impracticality of the belief.

naive optimism

Replaces "idiotic" with "naive", suggesting a lack of experience or awareness rather than outright foolishness.

misguided belief

Emphasizes the error in judgment that underlies the hope.

delusional expectation

Implies a more extreme form of unreality, bordering on delusion.

vain hope

Suggests that the hope is unlikely to be fulfilled and ultimately futile.

false hope

Indicates that the hope is based on false information or premises.

pipe dream

Refers to a hope or plan that is impossible to achieve or not practical.

empty optimism

Highlights the lack of substance or justification behind the optimistic outlook.

wishful thinking

Downplays the intentionality behind the hope, presenting it as a passive desire.

FAQs

How can I use "idiotic hope" in a sentence?

You can use "idiotic hope" to describe a situation where someone holds onto a belief that is clearly foolish or unrealistic. For example, "Despite the overwhelming evidence, he clung to the "foolish hope" that the problem would resolve itself."

What's a less harsh alternative to "idiotic hope"?

If you want to express a similar sentiment without being too harsh, consider using alternatives like "naive optimism" or "unrealistic expectation". These phrases convey the impracticality without the strong negative connotation.

Is "idiotic hope" grammatically correct?

Yes, "idiotic hope" is grammatically correct as it combines an adjective ("idiotic") with a noun ("hope"). However, its effectiveness depends on the context and the intended tone.

What is the difference between "idiotic hope" and "false hope"?

"Idiotic hope" implies that the hope is foolish or irrational, while "false hope" suggests that the hope is based on misinformation or deception. The former focuses on the mindset of the person hoping, while the latter focuses on the basis of the hope itself.