Translation guide
A pipe dream is an unrealistic hope or fantasy that is unlikely to come true. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize impossibility, wishful thinking, or empty dreams.
Expressing that a plan, wish, or idea is impossible or highly unlikely to happen
Do not translate 'pipe dream' literally as パイプの夢. This would not be understood. Use the idiomatic expressions provided.
Becoming a famous actor is just a pipe dream.
Literally 'dream story', this is the closest equivalent to 'pipe dream'. It refers to an unrealistic, fanciful idea or plan.
That plan is a pipe dream.
Literally 'a rice cake drawn in a picture', this idiom means something that looks good but is useless or unattainable, like a pipe dream.
Winning 100 million yen in the lottery is just a pipe dream.
Literally 'armchair theory', this refers to an impractical idea that works only in theory, similar to a pipe dream.
His proposal is nothing but a pipe dream.
Literally 'a dream within a dream', this emphasizes that something is extremely unlikely or almost impossible.
A trip around the world is just a pipe dream.
Means 'delusion' or 'fantasy'. Can be used for unrealistic ideas, but often has a negative connotation of being out of touch with reality.
His plan for success is just a pipe dream.
His idea of a perfect society is a pipe dream.