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Ask for help > please help me to find a suitable expression
please help me to find a suitable expression
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ueslteacher
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please help me to find a suitable expression
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A question to native speakers: What expression do you use to describe an idealistic dream (besides American dream)? is there some special collocation? In Russian, for example, there �s a phrase the word for translation of which is "pink dream". Is there a similar phrase in English? Sophia |
31 May 2012
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cindyfreksen
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I think that you could describe such a dream as a pipe dream - the object of the dream is usually unreachable/impossible.
I like the idea of pink dreams - it reminds me of the expression of looking at the world through rose coloured glasses - i.e. only seeing the positive side of things.
Cindy
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31 May 2012
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ueslteacher
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Thanks, Cindy, I guess that �s the expression:) Sophia |
31 May 2012
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cunliffe
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However, �pipe dream � isn �t a positive, idealistic expression, like the American dream; it �s something you might say quite dismissively -a really hopeless aspiration. |
31 May 2012
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ueslteacher
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OK, Lynne, what would be a perfect equivalent? Sophia |
31 May 2012
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ascincoquinas
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Hi Sophia!
Not a native speaker - as you know - but came across with these expressions related to dreams:
beyond your wildest dreams
far more than you could have hoped for or imagined Twenty years later the company has succeeded beyond his
wildest dreams. Her books have brought her
riches beyond her wildest dreams.
dream come true
Fig. a wish or a dream that has become a reality.
My vacation to Hawaii was like a dream come
true. Having you for a friend is a dream come
true.
hope this helps.
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31 May 2012
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ueslteacher
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Thanks, I do know them and those are not what I was looking for:) Sophia |
31 May 2012
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alien boy
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Hi Sophia!
here are a few for you:
pie in the sky:
if an idea or plan is pie in the sky, it seems good but is not likely to be achieved
pipe dream:
an unrealistic dream that could be negative (someone else telling you �that �s a pipe dream �) or positive (amongst friends when discussing your �pipe dreams �). They key being the dream is very unrealistic or totally far-fetched, so nothing short of a miracle will make it a reality
day dream:
thinking about a possible pleasant future event when you should be doing something else
I �ll post a few more after my morning classes.
Cheers,
AB
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31 May 2012
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yanogator
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I think we would just say "a dream" and leave it at that.
Does pink have some significance in the Russian language? I know that red is seen as a noble color, and even appears in the word for "excellent".
Bruce |
31 May 2012
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alien boy
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I�m with you Bruce... I can�t think of any equilvalent in English apart from �dream � itself.
Like a great man once said... �I have a dream.... �
Cheers,
AB
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31 May 2012
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ueslteacher
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Thank you guys:) @AB: I like "pie in the sky", I �ve never heard it before.
@Bruce: pink could mean different things, but in this very expression it means that the dream is something cherished, naive and something you think will make you happy like a baby:) It also has a tint of irony.
Sophia |
31 May 2012
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