PhrasesHub

Cloud cuckoo land

    Definitions

      • Unrealistic or impossible expectations
        Expressing disbelief or ridicule towards someone's ideas or plans that are far-fetched or impractical

      • Delusional or impractical thinking
        Describing someone who is disconnected from reality and has unrealistic dreams or goals

      • Fantasy or imaginary world
        Referring to a place or situation that is completely detached from reality and exists only in one's imagination

    Examples of Cloud cuckoo land


      Conclusion

      The idiom "Cloud cuckoo land" is used to describe unrealistic expectations or ideas that are impractical and disconnected from reality. It can also refer to a person who is delusional and has unrealistic dreams or goals. This idiom is often used in a sarcastic or mocking manner to express disbelief or ridicule towards someone's ideas or plans.

      The phrase "cloud cuckoo land" is derived from the Greek play "The Birds" by Aristophanes, where the birds create a utopian city in the clouds called "Nephelokokkygia" or "Cloud-cuckoo-land." This fictional city is described as a place where all desires are fulfilled and there is no need for hard work or responsibility. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a more negative connotation, referring to a place or state of mind that is detached from reality.

      Origin of "Cloud cuckoo land"

      The idiom "Cloud cuckoo land" originated from the play "The Birds" by Aristophanes, written in 414 BC. In the play, two Athenians seek refuge from the real world and come across a city in the clouds inhabited by birds. The city is portrayed as a utopia where all desires are fulfilled without any effort or responsibility. The phrase "cloud cuckoo land" became popularized through this play and has since been used to describe unrealistic or delusional ideas or thinking.

      The use of "cloud" in the phrase refers to something that is intangible or fleeting, while "cuckoo" is often associated with madness or craziness. This combination reflects the idea of a place or state of mind that is disconnected from reality and exists only in one's imagination. Over time, the phrase has been used in various literary works and has become a common idiom in everyday language to describe impractical or unrealistic thinking.