IdiomNature
English
Englishchase rainbows
Meaning: To pursue something unrealistic.
Example: “He left a good job to chase rainbows in Hollywood.”
Origin: A rainbow can never be reached, however far one walks, and the pot of gold at its end is a folk tale. The phrase is common from the early 20th century; the 1918 song "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" helped popularize it.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Lâcher la proie pour l'ombre Literally: To drop the prey for the shadow
More English idioms
- a Pyrrhic victory A win that costs so much it is almost a defeat.
- go to rack and ruin To fall into a state of decay through neglect.
- on one's toes Alert and ready to react.
- an old wives' tale A traditional belief, especially about health, that is not true.
- a pen-pusher A clerk or bureaucrat doing dull paperwork.
- a word to the wise A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.
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