A pipe dream, in popular usage, is a hope or aspiration regarded as unlikely to be realized.
The expression is derived from the idea of dreaming of smoking a pipe, which was once thought to cause hallucinations.
The term is sometimes used to describe a fanciful or unrealistic idea or hope.
Pipe dreams can also be a term used to describe something that is impossible, such as a dream of flying.
Contents
Whats a pipe dream mean?
What’s a pipe dream?
The phrase “pipe dream” is often used to describe a unrealistic or impossible goal. The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea of smoking tobacco from a pipe, which was once considered a luxurious activity. When someone has a pipe dream, they are said to be dreaming of something that is not likely to happen.
Why is it called a pipe dream?
The phrase “pipe dream” is often used to describe a fanciful or unrealistic idea. But where does this phrase come from? And why is it called a pipe dream?
The phrase is thought to come from the idea of smoking opium through a pipe. Dreams are often seen as a form of escape, and opium can be seen as a way to escape from reality. So, the dreamy, unreal nature of opium smoking may have given rise to the phrase “pipe dream.”
But why is it called a dream? The answer to this question is a bit more complicated. The phrase “dream” has been used to describe unrealistic ideas for centuries. In the early 17th century, the English philosopher John Locke used the phrase “a dream” to describe an idea that was not based in reality.
In the early 19th century, the phrase began to be used specifically to describe unrealistic ideas that were based in fantasy. And in the early 20th century, the phrase “pipe dream” began to be used to describe unrealistic ideas that were based in fantasy and opium smoking.
So, why is it called a pipe dream? The phrase is thought to come from the idea of smoking opium through a pipe. Dreams are often seen as a form of escape, and opium can be seen as a way to escape from reality. So, the dreamy, unreal nature of opium smoking may have given rise to the phrase “pipe dream.” And the phrase “dream” has been used to describe unrealistic ideas for centuries.
Is it called a pipe dream?
Is it called a pipe dream?
The phrase “pipe dream” is often used to describe a hope or wish that is unlikely to be realized. The phrase is derived from the idea of a pipe dream, which is a dream that is unrealistically fanciful or unrealistic.
The phrase is often used to describe a hope or wish that is unlikely to be realized. For example, a person might say “I’m not sure if it’s a pipe dream, but I hope that I can find a job that I love.” or “It’s a pipe dream, but I still think we can win this game.”
The phrase can also be used to describe a goal or ambition that is unlikely to be achieved. For example, a person might say “Her goal of becoming a doctor is a pipe dream.” or “He’s never going to be a millionaire, it’s a pipe dream.”
The phrase is not always used in a negative sense. Sometimes people use the phrase to describe a goal that is challenging, but still possible. For example, a person might say ” becoming a doctor is a pipe dream, but it’s not impossible.”
So, is it called a pipe dream?
The phrase “pipe dream” is derived from the idea of a pipe dream, which is a dream that is unrealistically fanciful or unrealistic. The phrase is often used to describe a hope or wish that is unlikely to be realized.
What does to pipe someone?
What does to pipe someone mean?
The term “to pipe someone” is derived from the medieval era, when people would use a type of pipe called a “whistle” to communicate over distances. To pipe someone meant to send a message to them using a whistle.
Today, to pipe someone usually means to communicate with them using a computer network. For example, you can pipe someone an email by sending it to their email address.
What is the meaning of pipe dream in Oxford dictionary?
What is the meaning of pipe dream in Oxford dictionary?
The Oxford dictionary definition of a pipe dream is:
1. A hope or ambition that is unlikely to be realized
2. A wild or extravagant fantasy
Pipe dreams usually refer to unrealistic hopes or ambitions. For example, someone might hope to win the lottery, but they know that their chances of winning are very slim. So, in this case, their hope would be considered a pipe dream.
Pipe dreams can also refer to fantasies or daydreams that are improbable or impossible. For example, someone might dream of traveling to a far-off destination, but they know that they will never be able to afford it. So, in this case, their dream would be considered a pipe dream.
Overall, a pipe dream is an idea or hope that is unlikely to come true.
Who coined the phrase pipe dream?
The phrase “pipe dream” is often used to describe a unrealistic goal or hope. But do you know who coined the phrase?
The phrase is thought to have originated in the early 1800s, when people would often gather around pipes that dispensed opium. Dreamers would sit around and smoke the drug, which would often cause them to have vivid dreams.
The phrase didn’t become popular until the early 1900s, when it was often used in the theater industry. It was used to describe unrealistic goals or hopes that actors or playwrights had for their work.
The phrase is still popular today, and is often used to describe goals or hopes that are unrealistic or impossible.
What does pipe me up mean?
Pipe me up is a slang expression that means “to tell me” or “let me know.” It is most often used as a request for someone to pass along information. For example, if you were looking for a new job and someone you know had been recently laid off from their position, you might pipe them up and ask if they know of any openings.