- To pursue goals or dreams that are unrealistic, impossible, or unlikely to be achieved.
- Like trying to physically reach the end of a rainbow.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the optical illusion of a rainbow – seems located but can never be reached.
- Metaphor used since at least the 19th century for pursuing illusions or unattainable fantasies.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- On a wild goose chase. (Pursuing something futilely, often implies being misled)
- Living in La La Land. (Being out of touch with reality)
- Dreaming. (Used skeptically: You think you'll win the lottery? You're dreaming.)
Milder/Standard:
- Pursuing an unrealistic objective.
- Setting unattainable goals.
- Having overly optimistic expectations.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Can sound critical or condescending. Use carefully when talking to the person pursuing the goal.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners need the figurative meaning of impossibility/unlikelihood, from the unreachable rainbow.
Examples
- He keeps investing in get-rich-quick schemes; he's just chasing rainbows.
- She moved to Hollywood to become a star, but her family worried she was chasing rainbows.
Dialogue
Father: My son wants to quit his stable job to become a full-time musician.
Friend: It's a tough industry. Is he prepared for the possibility he might just be chasing rainbows?
Father: I know, I'm worried. But he's passionate. I just hope he has a backup plan.
Social Media Examples
- Blog Post Title: Are You Chasing Rainbows? How to Set Realistic Career Goals.
- Comment on startup idea: Sounds exciting, but the market analysis seems weak. Make sure you're not just chasing rainbows. #Startup #Entrepreneur
- Tweet: Some people say artists are just chasing rainbows, but pursuing passion is never a waste. ✨ #ArtistLife #Dreams
Response Patterns
If accused:
- Defend dreams: It's not impossible! You have to believe!
- Acknowledge difficulty but affirm commitment: I know it's a long shot, but I have to try.
- Feel discouraged.
Listeners might express concern or skepticism.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Accused might justify why the goal *is* achievable.
- Speaker might suggest more realistic goals (Maybe start smaller?) or express concern (Are you sure this is sustainable?).
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes someone's perceived unrealistic pursuit.
Intonation
- Emphasis on chase and rainbows. CHASING RAINBOWS.
- Often said with gentle criticism, skepticism, pity, or realism.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most, but perhaps feels slightly quaint or literary.
- Younger generations might use pipe dream or simply unrealistic.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.