How Do You Spell PIPE DREAM?

Pronunciation: [pˈa͡ɪp dɹˈiːm] (IPA)

The idiom "pipe dream" refers to an unrealistic, unattainable goal or hope. It is spelled with a "p" for the initial consonant sound /p/, followed by "i" pronounced as /aɪ/ and "pe" pronounced as /p/, and finally "dream" with a silent "e" and pronounced as /dɹim/. So the whole word is pronounced as /ˈpaɪp ˌdɹim/. The origin of the phrase is unclear but likely dates back to the 19th century, where "pipe dream" referred to smoking opium and having unrealistic visions.

PIPE DREAM Meaning and Definition

1. A "pipe dream" is a noun which refers to an idea or goal that is highly idealistic, improbable, or unrealistic. The term is derived from the image of a person smoking a tobacco pipe and daydreaming. It implies that the idea or aspiration being contemplated is far-fetched or fanciful, lacking in practicality or feasibility.

   The concept of a pipe dream often involves an extreme level of ambition or desire that is detached from reality. It typically represents something that is impractical, unattainable, or beyond the realm of possibility. Although the notion may be desirable or appealing, it is perceived as purely imaginary or illusory.

   This phrase is often used to express skepticism or disbelief towards grandiose or utopian concepts that may be suggested or proposed. It conveys a sense of skepticism, implying that the person's plans or vision are not grounded in reality and are unlikely to come to fruition. It is also employed to caution against investing time, resources, or effort into pursuing an unachievable goal.

   However, it is important to note that while a pipe dream may be viewed as an unattainable dream, it does not necessarily imply a sense of failure or disappointment. Rather, it suggests that the idea or goal is not rooted in practicality or logic.

Common Misspellings for PIPE DREAM

• oipe dream
• lipe dream
• -ipe dream
• 0ipe dream
• pupe dream
• pjpe dream
• pkpe dream
• pope dream
• p9pe dream
• p8pe dream
• pioe dream
• pile dream
• pi-e dream
• pi0e dream
• pipw dream
• pips dream
• pipd dream
• pipr dream
• pip4 dream

Etymology of PIPE DREAM

The term "pipe dream" originated in the late 19th century. It combines two separate concepts: "pipe", referring to a smoking pipe typically associated with leisurely contemplation, and "dream", signifying an ideal or desire.

The term first appeared in the United States and initially referred to the dreams or hallucinations experienced by opium smokers who used pipes to consume the drug. Opium pipes were commonly associated with profound introspection and fantastical visions.

Over time, the phrase "pipe dream" evolved to describe any unrealistic or impractical idea, akin to the illusory and transient nature of dreams experienced through opium use. As such, it became a metaphor for unattainable or fanciful aspirations that were detached from reality.

Idioms with the word PIPE DREAM

• a pipe dream The idiom "a pipe dream" refers to an unrealistic or unlikely fantasy or hope. It describes an idea or plan that is impractical, unrealistic, or has very little chance of happening. It originated from the idea of smoking an opium pipe and experiencing hallucinations or unrealistic visions.
• pipe dream A pipe dream is an unattainable or unrealistic goal or hope that is unlikely to be realized.

Plural form of PIPE DREAM is PIPE DREAMS