Pipe dream Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpaɪp/ /ˈdɹim

PYPE-dreem

UK

pˈaɪp/ /dɹˈiːm

PYPE-DREEM

Definition

A "pipe dream" is an idea, plan, or hope that is impossible or extremely unlikely to come true.

Usage & Nuances

"Pipe dream" is informal and sometimes slightly dismissive, used to refer to unrealistic hopes. It’s often used for ambitions that sound good but aren’t practical. Common phrases: 'just a pipe dream', 'it’s only a pipe dream'.

• Spanish: quimera - sueño imposible
• Portuguese (BR): devaneio - sonho impossível
• Portuguese (PT): devaneio - sonho impossível
• Chinese (Simplified): 白日梦 - 不切实际的幻想
• Chinese (Traditional): 白日夢 - 不切實際的幻想
• Hindi: असंभव सपना - दिवास्वप्न
• Arabic: حلم مستحيل - وهم
• Bengali: কল্পনাপ্রসূত আশা - দিবাস্বপ্ন
• Russian: несбыточная мечта - воздушный замок
• Japanese: 絵空事 - 夢物語
• Vietnamese: ảo tưởng - giấc mơ viển vông
• Korean: 헛된 꿈 - 허황된 희망
• Turkish: boş hayal - imkânsız düş
• Urdu: خیالی پلاؤ - ناقابلِ عمل خواہش
• Indonesian: angan-angan kosong - mimpi yang mustahil

Example Sentences

Owning a castle is just a pipe dream for most people.

basic

His idea of traveling to the moon is a pipe dream.

basic

Building a city underwater is a pipe dream right now.

basic

I know it sounds like a pipe dream, but maybe one day it’ll be possible.

natural

For years, owning my own business was just a pipe dream, but now it’s real.

natural

Don’t waste your time on a pipe dream—focus on realistic goals instead.

natural