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Pipe dream

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An unrealistic hope or fantasy that is unlikely to be achieved; originally referred to opium-induced visions, now denotes any impractical dream or scheme lacking realistic foundation.

Detailed Definition
Pipe dream means an unrealistic hope, fantasy, or plan unlikely to be fulfilled. In poetry, it can describe utopian politics, impossible love, imagined wealth, artistic fame, or escape from suffering. The phrase historically carries associations with intoxicating reverie, making it useful for dreams that seduce the mind while weakening practical judgement. A poet may use it sympathetically, because impossible hopes can sustain life, or critically, when fantasy prevents action. It explores the border between vision and delusion.
Example
Example in poetry:
A satirical poem might call the miser's dream of buying the moon a pipe dream; In a visionary lyric, a pipe dream may still reveal the soul's hunger; The phrase means an unrealistic hope or plan; A poet can use it to balance imagination and practicality.
Additional Notes
A pipe dream is an unrealistic hope or fantasy, often associated with opium pipes and dreamlike illusion. In poetry, it can describe utopian schemes, doomed love, artistic ambition, political promises, or private escapism. The phrase is useful because it combines desire with unreality and possibly intoxication. Students should consider whether the dream is foolish delusion, necessary consolation, or imaginative resistance to a harsh world.
Also Known As
Pie in the sky
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