异想天开 (yì xiǎng tiān kāi) — to have a wildly unrealistic idea; to indulge in fantasy; wishful thinking

Definition

Means ‘wildly unrealistic thinking’ — usually criticizes the idea itself as impossible. 比 胡思乱想 more specific: 胡思乱想 is scattered, irrational thoughts; 异想天开 targets one fanciful plan or belief.

phrase
to have a wildly unrealistic ideato indulge in fantasywishful thinking

Examples

  • 异想天开
    Tā jū rán xiǎng yí gè yuè xué huì fǎ yǔ, zhēn shì yì xiǎng tiān kāi.
    He actually thinks he can learn French in a month — that's pure wishful thinking.
  • 异想天开
    Bié yì xiǎng tiān kāi le, zhè ge jì huà gēn běn xíng bù tōng.
    Stop daydreaming — this plan will never work.
  • 异想天开
    Tā zǒng yǒu yì xiē yì xiǎng tiān kāi de xiǎng fǎ, dàn cóng bù xíng dòng.
    She always has some wildly unrealistic ideas, but never takes action.

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