1 B1 idiomatic informal
Used to tell someone, often sarcastically, that what they hope for will not happen.
"'Maybe the boss will give us all a bonus this year.' 'Dream on!'"
dream on
B1 informal intransitive
An exclamation used to dismiss someone's idea or hope as completely unrealistic.
In plain English
What you say to tell someone they are wishing for something that will never happen.
What does "dream on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To continue dreaming — but the idiomatic meaning is the opposite: 'stop dreaming, it won't happen'.
Actually means
What you say to tell someone they are wishing for something that will never happen.
Usage tip
Almost always used as a stand-alone exclamation in response to something someone has said. Tone ranges from playful teasing to dismissive sarcasm. Not typically used as a literal suggestion to continue dreaming.
Words that pair with "dream on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
yeah right fat chance no way in your dreams wishful thinking
How to conjugate "dream on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dream on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dreams on
he/she/it
Past simple
dreamed on
yesterday
Past participle
dreamed on
have + pp
-ing form
dreaming on
continuous
Hear "dream on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dream on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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