pipe dreams

USAGE SUMMARY

"pipe dreams" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means an unrealistic or unattainable hope or fantasy. Example: Sarah's dream of becoming a famous actress was just a pipe dream, as she had no experience or connections in the entertainment industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pipe dreams?

The Guardian

In Pipe Dreams?

Cornell University

"These aren't pipe dreams.

MIT Technology Review

But theirs were not pipe dreams.

The New York Times - Sports

All these are probably pipe dreams.

The Guardian

The pipe dreams happen with her.

The Guardian - Film

The fantasies satisfy our pipe dreams.

The Guardian - Music

"These crooks, most of them, have pipe dreams.

The New Yorker

The world's carmakers are indulging in pipe dreams again.

The New York Times

Pipe bombs getting in the way of pipe dreams.

The New York Times

But Mr. Seinfeld quickly snuffs such pipe dreams.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pipe dreams" to describe aspirations that are unlikely to materialize due to practical constraints or a lack of feasibility. It is most effective when contrasting the grand vision with the reality of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "pipe dreams" for achievable goals that simply require hard work or dedication. The phrase is best reserved for plans that are fundamentally unrealistic or unattainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pipe dreams" functions as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It serves as a descriptor for hopes, plans, or ambitions deemed unrealistic or unattainable. As noted by Ludwig AI, it conveys a sense of impracticality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pipe dreams" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression signifying unrealistic or unattainable hopes and fantasies. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, where it serves to express skepticism or critique ambitious plans. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the audience and context when employing this phrase, particularly in formal or professional settings. If you're looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "unrealistic aspirations" or "idle fantasies" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrealistic aspirations

Focuses on the lack of realism in the goals.

idle fantasies

Emphasizes the lack of action or effort behind the fantasies.

wishful thinking

Highlights the element of desire influencing belief.

castles in the air

A more figurative way of expressing unrealistic plans.

daydreams

Implies a pleasant but impractical mental escape.

false hopes

Highlights the deceptive nature of the hopes.

utopian visions

Suggests an ideal but unattainable society or state.

impractical schemes

Focuses on the impracticality of the plans.

delusional beliefs

Indicates a stronger sense of detachment from reality.

grandiose ideas

Emphasizes the ambitious and often unrealistic scale of the ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "pipe dreams" to describe plans or ambitions that are unlikely to succeed. For example, "His plans to travel the world on a shoestring budget were just "pipe dreams"".

What's a less common synonym for "pipe dreams"?

A less common synonym for "pipe dreams" is "castles in the air", which also refers to unrealistic or fanciful plans.

Is it appropriate to use "pipe dreams" in a formal context?

While "pipe dreams" can be used in formal contexts, be mindful of the tone. It's suitable when discussing unrealistic goals or projections, but avoid it if a more neutral or optimistic tone is required. In such cases, consider using "unrealistic aspirations".

What's the difference between "wishful thinking" and "pipe dreams"?

"Wishful thinking" generally refers to believing something because you want it to be true, even if there's no evidence. "Pipe dreams", on the other hand, refers to plans or ambitions that are extremely unlikely to succeed, often due to practical limitations.