dream up
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To think of a new idea, plan, or excuse, especially a very creative or strange one.
Literal meaning: To create something in a dream — imagining something out of thin air.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To invent a plan, idea, or excuse, especially a creative or unusual one.
"Who dreamed up the idea of having a dessert competition at the office party?"
Grammar: separable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To create or devise something imaginative or fanciful, often in an artistic or creative context.
"The author dreamed up an entire mythology for the fictional world in her novel."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often implies that the idea is creative, imaginative, or somewhat impractical. Can be used admiringly or ironically depending on context. Common in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
plan scheme idea excuse solution concept
Forms
Base
dream up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dreams up
he/she/it
Past simple
dreamed up
yesterday
Past participle
dreamed up
have + pp
-ing form
dreaming up
continuous
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