PhrasesHub

Wishful thinking

    Definitions

      • Describing an unrealistic or overly optimistic belief or expectation
        Expressing the idea that something is unlikely to happen, but one hopes or wishes it would

      • Deluding oneself or others
        Conveying the notion that someone is mistaken or deceiving themselves by holding onto a belief that is not based in reality

      • Focusing on a desired outcome instead of the present reality
        Suggesting that someone is ignoring the current situation and instead focusing on what they wish or hope would happen

    Examples of Wishful thinking

    • The sales team's hope for a record-breaking quarter is nothing but wishful thinking.

      This idiom is used when someone is expecting or hoping for something that is unlikely or unrealistic. In this example, the sales team's optimism for a highly successful quarter is seen as unrealistic and overly hopeful.

    • After months of job searching, Emily's wishful thinking finally paid off when she received a job offer.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe Emily's optimistic outlook during her job search, which ultimately led to a positive outcome.

    • The politician's promises of lower taxes and better healthcare were just wishful thinking.

      This idiom is used to describe empty or unrealistic promises made by someone in a position of authority. In this example, the politician's pledges for lower taxes and better healthcare are seen as unrealistic and overly hopeful.

    • The student's wishful thinking that the exam would be postponed was shattered when the results were announced.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's false expectation that a particular event will not occur or will be postponed. In this example, the student's hope that the exam would be postponed was unfounded.

    • The coach's wishful thinking that the team would win the championship was short-lived when they lost in the semi-finals.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's overly optimistic outlook that is later proven to be unrealistic. In this example, the coach's hope that the team would win the championship was dashed when they were eliminated in the semi-finals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "wishful thinking" is used to describe an unrealistic or overly optimistic belief or expectation. It can be used to express the idea that something is unlikely to happen, but one hopes or wishes it would. It can also be used to convey the notion that someone is mistaken or deceiving themselves by holding onto a belief that is not based in reality. In addition, "wishful thinking" can also be used to suggest that someone is ignoring the current situation and instead focusing on what they wish or hope would happen.

    Origin of "Wishful thinking"

    The origin of the idiom "wishful thinking" can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was first used in a work by the English poet and playwright Thomas Middleton. In his play "Anything for a Quiet Life" (1621), the character Sir Francis Acton says, "I see now 'tis but a courtier's wish: and I was ne'er good at wishful thinking." This usage suggests that the phrase was already a known concept at the time.

    The term "wishful thinking" is often associated with the concept of optimism, which is the tendency to expect the best possible outcome in any situation. However, the idiom itself has a more negative connotation, as it implies that the belief or expectation is not based in reality.

    In modern usage, "wishful thinking" is often used to dismiss someone's unrealistic hopes or desires. It can also be used as a playful or sarcastic way to express one's own unrealistic beliefs or expectations. Overall, the idiom remains a popular way to describe unrealistic or overly optimistic thinking.