白日做梦 (Bái rì zuò mèng)

Basic Info

• Chinese Idiom: 白日做梦 (Bái rì zuò mèng)
• Pinyin: bái rì zuò mèng
• Literal meaning: “To dream in broad daylight.”
  (白日 = broad daylight / daytime; 做 = to do / make; 梦 = dream)

Figurative Definition

It means to indulge in unrealistic fantasies – to imagine that something completely impossible will come true. It is used to criticize wishful thinking, delusions, or plans that have no basis in reality. The tone is usually mocking or dismissive: the person is not merely hopeful, but foolishly out of touch with reality.

In short: daydreaming about something that can never happen.

Cultural & Historical Origin

The phrase is cited in Yuan Dynasty literature, notably in a ci poem by Bai Pu (白朴), Qin Yuan Chun · Miaomiao Yin Huai (《沁园春·渺渺吟怀》):

“华表鹤来，铜盘人去，白日青天梦一场。”

“The crane returns to the tomb pillar, the bronze plate and its person are gone – it is all a dream in the bright daylight and blue sky.”

The original poetic image is one of transience and illusion: human endeavors, legends, and hopes all pass like a dream in broad daylight. Over time, the phrase “白日做梦” developed into a fixed idiom meaning to dream impossible dreams while wide awake.

It is closely related to “痴人说梦” (chī rén shuō mèng – “a fool talks about his dreams”), which also criticizes absurd, unrealistic talk.

Key Lesson

Hope is healthy; delusion is not. It is good to dream and aspire – but a dream must be connected to reality, effort, and possibility. The idiom warns against mistaking fantasy for planning. Ask yourself: Is this a goal I can work toward, or am I just dreaming in broad daylight? The wise person dreams with open eyes and then takes concrete steps.

Cultural Note

In modern Chinese, “白日做梦” is a common, colloquial, and often mocking idiom. It appears in:

• Everyday dismissal – “你想让他道歉？白日做梦！” (“You want him to apologize? You’re dreaming!”)
• Political and business commentary – criticizing unrealistic policies or plans.
• Personal advice – warning someone not to chase an impossible goal.
• Humorous exaggeration – teasing a friend about an unlikely crush or ambition.

It is closely related to “痴心妄想” (chī xīn wàng xiǎng – “infatuated delusion”), “异想天开” (yì xiǎng tiān kāi – “whimsical and fantastic ideas”), and “想入非非” (xiǎng rù fēi fēi – “indulging in fantasy”). Its opposite is “脚踏实地” (jiǎo tà shí dì – “keeping one’s feet on solid ground”).

Similar English Expressions

• Daydreaming – Indulging in pleasant but unrealistic fantasies.
• Pipe dream – An unrealistic hope or plan.
• Wishful thinking – Believing something because you want it to be true.
• In your dreams! – A dismissive response to an impossible hope.
• Pie in the sky – An unrealistic promise or fantasy.
• Living in a fantasy world – Out of touch with reality.
• To have one’s head in the clouds – To be impractical or out of touch.
• Dream on! – Informal: keep dreaming, because it will never happen.

The closest and most natural equivalents are “daydreaming,” “pipe dream,” and “wishful thinking.”

In short, “白日做梦” means dreaming in broad daylight – a vivid, slightly mocking idiom for unrealistic fantasies, and a reminder that real dreams are built with open eyes and steady hands.