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Meaning
An unrealistic hope or fantasy.
Origin
The allusion is to the dreams experienced by smokers of opium pipes.
The early references to the phrase all originate from in or around Chicago. The earliest I have found is from The Chicago Daily Tribune, December 1890:
"It [aerial navigation] has been regarded as a pipe-dream for a good many years."
This information was drawn from http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/283700.html
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago1896, British Army slang (Arrow Rebellion) describing fabulations while smoking opium (pipe)
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What does the idiom 'cheek by jowl' originate from?
It originates from: The Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare - if two people are together with one person's cheek right by another person's cheek (jowl), they are pretty close indeed.
What does pipe dream mean?
A pipe dream is a fantastic but vain hope, or something that could never come true although you would wish for it. The origin is a reference to the fantasies that occur when smoking an opium pipe.
Where did the idiom add fuel to the fire originate?
its from Tamil This metaphor dates from Roman times--Livy used it in his history of Rome--and it remains in common use.
Where did the phrase chow mein originate?
America! -This idiom is the Americanism for a dish of stir-fried noodles, brought to America by the speakers of the Taishan dialect of Chinese.
Where did the idiom 'to flog a dead horse' originate?
This is a horse term. Flogging is beating with a whip. It does no good to beat a horse that is dead, because it will never get back up and work for you.
Where did the idiom every dog has its day originate?
Shakespear Play
When was Third Annual Pipe Dream created?
Third Annual Pipe Dream was created in 1974.
Where did the idiom do unto others as you would have others do unto you originate?
confucius...
What does the idiom 'cheek by jowl' originate from?
It originates from: The Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare - if two people are together with one person's cheek right by another person's cheek (jowl), they are pretty close indeed.
What does a pipe dream for bindle stiffs mean?
A pipe dream is something you're not going to get -- it's based on drug lore, using an opium pipe to dream. A bindle stiff is a hobo.
Where did the idiom against the clock originate?
what is origin of the idioum race against the clock
What are the release dates for A Pipe Dream - 1915?
A Pipe Dream - 1915 was released on: USA: 10 March 1915
What are the release dates for Pipe Dream - 2011?
Pipe Dream - 2011 was released on: USA: 11 January 2011
What does the idiom dream on your knees mean?
The idiom "dream on your knees" typically means to pray or hope for something strongly, often in a humble or earnest manner. It can also suggest seeking guidance or support from a higher power.
Where did the idiom an arm for a leg originate from?
This is not an idiom that I have ever heard. Perhaps you mean an arm AND a leg, which is an exaggerated way of saying something is really expensive.
What are the ratings and certificates for Pipe Dream - 2002?
Pipe Dream - 2002 is rated/received certificates of: Australia:M Germany:o.Al. USA:R
What actors and actresses appeared in The Pipe Dream - 2006?
The cast of The Pipe Dream - 2006 includes: Crispin Lipscomb as himself
