Dreams are ideas or pictures we see in our minds, especially when we sleep. But people also use the word “dreams” to talk about their hopes or goals. For example, someone might say, “It’s my dream to be a doctor.” People use special phrases, called idioms, to talk about dreams in fun or creative ways.
Idioms make language more interesting. They don’t always mean exactly what the words say. For example, if someone says, “She’s chasing a dream,” it doesn’t mean she’s running. It means she’s working hard for something she really wants. In this article, we will learn many idioms that are used to talk about dreams. Each one helps explain feelings, hopes, or thoughts in a new way. These idioms will help you understand how people talk about big ideas in simple ways. Let’s take a look at 45 idioms about dreams.
Idioms About Dreams
1. Dream big
Meaning: Think about big goals or hopes.
Example Sentence:
– My teacher told me to dream big and never give up.
– He dreams big about becoming a famous artist.
Other ways to say: Aim high, reach for the stars
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase encourages people to believe in big ideas.
Usage: Used when someone wants to do something great in life.
2. Pipe dream
Meaning: A dream that is very unlikely to happen.
Example Sentence:
– Winning the lottery is just a pipe dream.
– He has a pipe dream of flying without wings.
Other ways to say: Impossible goal, wild wish
Fun Fact/Origin: Came from old times when people smoked pipes and daydreamed.
Usage: Used when someone has a dream that probably won’t come true.
3. Living the dream
Meaning: Enjoying the life you always wanted.
Example Sentence:
– My cousin is living the dream with his new beach house.
– She says she’s living the dream as a zookeeper.
Other ways to say: Living your best life, dream come true
Fun Fact/Origin: People use this to show they are happy with their life.
Usage: Used when someone is very happy with how things are going.
4. Beyond your wildest dreams
Meaning: Better than you could ever imagine.
Example Sentence:
– The surprise party was beyond my wildest dreams.
– Getting that award was beyond his wildest dreams.
Other ways to say: More than imagined, super amazing
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase shows something is too good to even dream.
Usage: Used when something is very exciting or surprising.
5. In your dreams
Meaning: That will never happen.
Example Sentence:
– “You think you’ll be class president? In your dreams!”
– “A new puppy? In your dreams,” Dad said.
Other ways to say: Not a chance, keep dreaming
Fun Fact/Origin: People say this when something is not likely to happen.
Usage: Used to show doubt about someone’s big wish.
6. Dream come true
Meaning: Something good that you really hoped for has happened.
Example Sentence:
– Going to Disney World was a dream come true.
– Getting my own room was a dream come true.
Other ways to say: Wish granted, finally happened
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to show something once only imagined has become real.
Usage: Used when something long hoped for becomes real.
7. Follow your dreams
Meaning: Try hard to make your dreams happen.
Example Sentence:
– My coach told me to follow my dreams.
– She’s following her dreams of being a dancer.
Other ways to say: Go after your goals, chase your dreams
Fun Fact/Origin: Encourages people to work hard for what they want.
Usage: Used when someone is working toward something important.
8. Dream on
Meaning: That’s not going to happen.
Example Sentence:
– “You think Mom will let you skip homework? Dream on!”
– “Dream on if you think I’ll do your chores!”
Other ways to say: Not going to happen, keep wishing
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in a funny or sarcastic way.
Usage: Used to say something is not likely.
9. Dream world
Meaning: A place or idea that is too perfect to be real.
Example Sentence:
– He lives in a dream world where everything goes his way.
– Thinking school will always be fun is a dream world idea.
Other ways to say: Make-believe, not real life
Fun Fact/Origin: People use this to describe unrealistic thinking.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t see things as they really are.
10. Daydream
Meaning: To think about nice things while awake.
Example Sentence:
– I was daydreaming in class and missed the question.
– She daydreams about being in space.
Other ways to say: Imagine, drift off
Fun Fact/Origin: Daydreams happen when you’re awake but thinking like you’re asleep.
Usage: Used when someone isn’t paying attention because they’re imagining.
11. Walking on air
Meaning: Feeling very happy.
Example Sentence:
– I was walking on air after getting an A+ on my test.
– She felt like she was walking on air after the party.
Other ways to say: On cloud nine, full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: You feel so light, it’s like floating.
Usage: Used when someone is really happy.
12. A dreamboat
Meaning: A very good-looking person.
Example Sentence:
– That actor is such a dreamboat!
– She thinks the singer is a total dreamboat.
Other ways to say: Heartthrob, handsome person
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a boat that sails into your dreams.
Usage: Used to describe someone who looks amazing.
13. Dream job
Meaning: A job you really want.
Example Sentence:
– Working with animals is my dream job.
– He got his dream job as a firefighter.
Other ways to say: Ideal job, perfect work
Fun Fact/Origin: Everyone has a job they dream about doing.
Usage: Used to describe the perfect job for someone.
14. Build castles in the air
Meaning: To make plans that are not realistic.
Example Sentence:
– He always builds castles in the air but never works for them.
– She dreamed of being famous without any steps—just castles in the air.
Other ways to say: Unreal ideas, big dreams with no plan
Fun Fact/Origin: From old stories about dreaming of castles that float.
Usage: Used when someone has big ideas but no plan.
15. A dreamer
Meaning: Someone who thinks a lot about hopes and ideas.
Example Sentence:
– He’s such a dreamer, always thinking about new inventions.
– My sister’s a dreamer—she believes anything is possible.
Other ways to say: Imaginative person, big thinker
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to describe someone who loves to imagine.
Usage: Used when someone dreams a lot, even if it’s not always practical.
16. Lost in a dream
Meaning: Deep in thought, not paying attention
Example Sentence:
– I was lost in a dream and didn’t hear the bell ring.
– She gets lost in a dream during story time.
Other ways to say: Zoned out, deep in thought
Fun Fact/Origin: Used when someone seems to be thinking about something far away.
Usage: Used when someone is not fully aware of what’s going on around them.
17. Sweet dreams
Meaning: A kind way to wish someone good sleep
Example Sentence:
– Goodnight, sweet dreams!
– Mom kissed me and said, “Sweet dreams!”
Other ways to say: Sleep well, rest easy
Fun Fact/Origin: People say this at bedtime to show care.
Usage: Used to wish someone a nice sleep.
18. A dream away
Meaning: Very close to being real
Example Sentence:
– Your goal is just a dream away—keep going!
– Success is a dream away if you try hard.
Other ways to say: Almost there, within reach
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows something feels close enough to dream about.
Usage: Used to encourage someone who’s close to reaching a goal.
19. In a dream state
Meaning: Acting sleepy or not fully awake
Example Sentence:
– He was in a dream state after waking up.
– I walked through the house in a dream state.
Other ways to say: Half-awake, dazed
Fun Fact/Origin: Like being between sleeping and waking.
Usage: Used when someone is sleepy or distracted.
20. Dream up
Meaning: To think of something new or creative
Example Sentence:
– He dreamed up a new game during recess.
– Let’s dream up a fun story!
Other ways to say: Invent, come up with
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is about using your imagination like in dreams.
Usage: Used when someone makes up an idea.
21. Dream-like
Meaning: So strange or nice it feels unreal
Example Sentence:
– The snow falling quietly felt dream-like.
– The parade was so colorful—it felt dream-like.
Other ways to say: Magical, unreal
Fun Fact/Origin: Feels like something from a dream.
Usage: Used when something feels amazing or strange.
22. Dreamland
Meaning: The place you go when you sleep
Example Sentence:
– I was off to dreamland as soon as my head hit the pillow.
– He drifted into dreamland right after the story.
Other ways to say: Sleep, nap time
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dreamland” is often used to describe sleep in a kind way.
Usage: Used to talk about sleeping or dreaming.
23. Dream catcher
Meaning: A decoration said to catch bad dreams
Example Sentence:
– I hung a dream catcher over my bed.
– Her dream catcher has feathers and beads.
Other ways to say: Bad-dream trap, bedtime charm
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Native American traditions.
Usage: Used when talking about sleep or dreams.
24. Dream of
Meaning: To really wish for something
Example Sentence:
– I dream of visiting the Grand Canyon.
– She dreams of being in a movie.
Other ways to say: Wish for, hope for
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used for goals or desires.
Usage: Used to talk about what someone really wants.
25. Chase your dreams
Meaning: Work hard to reach your goals
Example Sentence:
– Keep chasing your dreams—you’ll get there!
– He chased his dreams and became a chef.
Other ways to say: Follow your heart, go for it
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom makes dreams feel like something you can catch.
Usage: Used to inspire people to try hard.
26. Dream away the day
Meaning: Spend time doing nothing but thinking
Example Sentence:
– I dreamed away the day staring at the clouds.
– She sat on the porch and dreamed away the afternoon.
Other ways to say: Waste time thinking, daydream
Fun Fact/Origin: Feels like time disappears while you imagine.
Usage: Used when someone spends the day lost in thought.
27. Dreamless sleep
Meaning: Deep sleep with no dreams
Example Sentence:
– I had a dreamless sleep after the long trip.
– He was so tired he fell into dreamless sleep.
Other ways to say: Deep rest, quiet sleep
Fun Fact/Origin: Means your brain was too tired to imagine anything.
Usage: Used when someone sleeps very deeply.
28. A dream worth chasing
Meaning: A goal that’s really good to go after
Example Sentence:
– Helping others is a dream worth chasing.
– That prize is a dream worth chasing.
Other ways to say: Good goal, special wish
Fun Fact/Origin: Not all dreams are equal—some are truly special.
Usage: Used to show some dreams are worth working for.
29. Dream-crusher
Meaning: A person or thing that stops your dream
Example Sentence:
– Rain was a dream-crusher for our picnic plans.
– Don’t be a dream-crusher—let her try!
Other ways to say: Ruiner, spoiler
Fun Fact/Origin: Combines “dream” with “crusher” to show something sad.
Usage: Used when someone ruins another person’s hope.
30. Dream away
Meaning: To let time pass while thinking of nice things
Example Sentence:
– He dreamed away the car ride.
– I dreamed away the morning on the swing.
Other ways to say: Think softly, imagine
Fun Fact/Origin: Often said when someone is quiet and still.
Usage: Used when someone lets time go by imagining things.
31. Shattered dream
Meaning: A dream that has been broken or lost
Example Sentence:
– Failing the test was a shattered dream for him.
– Her shattered dream was not making the team.
Other ways to say: Broken hope, lost goal
Fun Fact/Origin: Like glass breaking—once it’s gone, it can’t be the same.
Usage: Used when someone’s wish or goal does not come true.
32. Dream on your feet
Meaning: To imagine or think while awake and moving
Example Sentence:
– He dreams on his feet while walking to school.
– She always dreams on her feet at the grocery store.
Other ways to say: Daydream, imagine while busy
Fun Fact/Origin: Combines moving with imagining.
Usage: Used when someone imagines while being active.
33. Dream world thinking
Meaning: Thinking that’s not realistic
Example Sentence:
– He’s doing dream world thinking—things won’t just fix themselves.
– Believing you can skip homework and still get an A is dream world thinking.
Other ways to say: Not practical, not real thinking
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from confusing dreams with reality.
Usage: Used to warn someone their ideas might not work.
34. Dream away your chance
Meaning: To waste a good opportunity
Example Sentence:
– He dreamed away his chance by not studying.
– She dreamed away her chance to try out.
Other ways to say: Missed chance, wasted shot
Fun Fact/Origin: This means you were thinking too much and not doing.
Usage: Used when someone loses an opportunity by not acting.
35. Dream face
Meaning: Someone you see in a dream and remember
Example Sentence:
– I saw a dream face last night and can’t forget it.
– That baby has a dream face—so sweet!
Other ways to say: Memorable face, beautiful face
Fun Fact/Origin: From dreams where a face stands out.
Usage: Used to describe a lovely or unforgettable face.
36. Hang onto your dream
Meaning: Don’t give up on your goal
Example Sentence:
– Keep hanging onto your dream of becoming a pilot.
– Even if it’s hard, hang onto your dream.
Other ways to say: Don’t let go, keep trying
Fun Fact/Origin: Like grabbing something tightly and not letting go.
Usage: Used to encourage someone not to give up.
37. Only in dreams
Meaning: Something that won’t happen in real life
Example Sentence:
– You’ll get two birthdays a year—only in dreams!
– A talking cat? Only in dreams.
Other ways to say: Impossible, just pretend
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used for funny or wild ideas.
Usage: Used when something is very unlikely or silly.
38. Dream whisper
Meaning: A quiet hope or small idea
Example Sentence:
– He had a dream whisper to try singing.
– A dream whisper told her to start writing poems.
Other ways to say: Small idea, quiet wish
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a tiny voice in your heart.
Usage: Used when a dream first starts to grow.
39. A whisper of a dream
Meaning: A tiny beginning of a dream
Example Sentence:
– The whisper of a dream began in her mind.
– He felt a whisper of a dream when he saw the race.
Other ways to say: First spark, tiny dream
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how even big dreams start small.
Usage: Used when someone just starts hoping or imagining.
40. Dream drift
Meaning: To slowly fall into dreaming
Example Sentence:
– She closed her eyes and dream drifted into sleep.
– The music helped him dream drift.
Other ways to say: Fall into dreams, drift off
Fun Fact/Origin: Drift means to float slowly, like into a dream.
Usage: Used when someone begins to dream gently.
41. A flicker of a dream
Meaning: A short or weak hope
Example Sentence:
– He had a flicker of a dream that things would get better.
– A flicker of a dream made her smile.
Other ways to say: Small hope, brief wish
Fun Fact/Origin: Flicker means something small that comes and goes.
Usage: Used for little signs of hope.
42. On cloud nine
Meaning: Very happy, like in a dream
Example Sentence:
– She was on cloud nine after her birthday party.
– He felt on cloud nine when he won the prize.
Other ways to say: So happy, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Cloud nine means way up in the sky with joy.
Usage: Used when someone feels great happiness.
43. Dream come crashing down
Meaning: A dream or plan suddenly fails
Example Sentence:
– His dream came crashing down when the team lost.
– The plan came crashing down when the event was canceled.
Other ways to say: Fell apart, didn’t work out
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a big crash when a dream ends.
Usage: Used when a goal or hope fails suddenly.
44. Dream up trouble
Meaning: Imagine problems that aren’t there
Example Sentence:
– Don’t dream up trouble—everything is fine.
– He dreamed up trouble just because he was bored.
Other ways to say: Make problems, imagine bad things
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how imagination can sometimes cause problems.
Usage: Used when someone worries too much or imagines bad things.
45. Dreamless mind
Meaning: A mind with no thoughts or ideas
Example Sentence:
– After the long day, her mind felt dreamless.
– He stared ahead with a dreamless mind.
Other ways to say: Empty thoughts, nothing on your mind
Fun Fact/Origin: A quiet or tired mind that isn’t thinking of anything.
Usage: Used when someone feels blank or without ideas.
Quiz: Idioms About Dreams
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “follow your dreams” mean?
A) Sleep more often
B) Try hard to reach your goals
C) Run away from your hopes
2. If someone says “in your dreams,” what do they mean?
A) That you should dream more
B) That something is not going to happen
C) That you’re lucky
3. What does “a dream come true” describe?
A) Something bad that happened
B) A new bedtime story
C) Something you really wanted that actually happened
4. If you are “walking on air,” how do you feel?
A) Sad and tired
B) Very happy
C) Like you’re flying a plane
5. What is a “pipe dream”?
A) A dream about water pipes
B) A dream that is unlikely to happen
C) A dream you have every night
6. If someone is “lost in a dream,” what are they doing?
A) Paying close attention
B) Driving a car
C) Not paying attention because they are deep in thought
7. What does “dream up” mean?
A) To make something up or imagine it
B) To sleep longer
C) To forget something
8. What does “dream world thinking” mean?
A) Smart thinking
B) Thinking that is not realistic
C) Reading about dreams
9. If someone says they “dreamed away the day,” what happened?
A) They played outside all day
B) They spent the day imagining things instead of doing something
C) They worked really hard
10. What is a “dream-crusher”?
A) A machine for crushing dreams
B) A person or thing that stops someone’s dream
C) A person who makes dreams come true
Answer Key
- B) Try hard to reach your goals
- B) That something is not going to happen
- C) Something you really wanted that actually happened
- B) Very happy
- B) A dream that is unlikely to happen
- C) Not paying attention because they are deep in thought
- A) To make something up or imagine it
- B) Thinking that is not realistic
- B) They spent the day imagining things instead of doing something
- B) A person or thing that stops someone’s dream
Wrapping Up
Dreams help us hope, plan, and imagine better things. Idioms about dreams make it easier to talk about these feelings. Whether you’re chasing a dream or feeling like you’re in a dream world, these phrases can help you share your thoughts. Keep learning and use these idioms in your own writing and speech.
