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pipe dream

[/paɪp driːm/]
nounpl: pipe dreams
sonho impossível
1. An unrealistic or foolish hope or plan; something that is unlikely to happen or be achieved
Winning the lottery is just a pipe dream for most people.
Ganhar na loteria é apenas um sonho impossível para a maioria das pessoas.
2. A fantastic idea or scheme that has little chance of being realized
His plan to become a millionaire by next year is pure pipe dream.
Seu plano de ficar milionário no próximo ano é puro sonho impossível.
NYC Slang
pie in the sky
Synonyms
fantasyillusiondelusionfalse hopewishful thinkingcastles in the airunrealistic hope
Antonyms
realityachievable goalrealistic planattainable dream

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sonho impossível
Most common usage across Brazil
General Brazilian
ilusão
Alternative, more colloquial term
Portugal
sonho impossível
Standard usage in Portugal
Portugal
castelos no ar
Literal equivalent of 'castles in the air', commonly used

Related Idioms & Phrases

castles in the air
false hope
wishful thinking
reach for the stars
in your dreams
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