dream up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To create or invent something, especially an idea, plan, or story, using one's imagination. It often implies the idea is unusual, clever, or fanciful.
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires an object (the thing that is invented). It is often used in informal contexts. The structure is typically: to dream up [something].
Examples
- The marketing team needs to dream up a new advertising campaign.
- She dreamed up an elaborate excuse for being late.
- Where did you dream up such a strange idea?
- The children dreamed up a fantastic story about a dragon.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can sometimes carry a slightly negative or skeptical connotation, suggesting the idea is impractical or far-fetched.
- He's always dreaming up get-rich-quick schemes that never work.
Variants and Related Words
- Dream (verb): While "to dream" can mean to imagine aspirations, "to dream up" specifically means to invent or concoct.
- Dreamt up / Dreamed up: Both are acceptable as the past tense and past participle.
Synonyms
- Concoct
- Devise
- Invent
- Think up
- Fabricate
Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms
- Cook up: Similar meaning, but can imply a more deceitful invention (e.g., ).
- Make up: To invent, often a story or excuse.
Verb
- devise or invent
- He thought up a plan to get rich quickly
- no-one had ever thought of such a clever piece of software