Ask for the moon
Meaning
To request something that is impossible or extremely difficult to obtain and therefore unrealistic.
Origin
The moon, with its ethereal glow and immense distance, has long stood as humanity's quintessential symbol of the unattainable. From ancient times, it has inspired poets and dreamers, representing a beautiful object just beyond reach. The phrase "ask for the moon" simply formalizes this universal understanding, directly linking an extravagant or impossible request to the ultimate symbol of an unfulfillable desire. It captures the natural human yearning for something grand yet utterly beyond grasp, making it a vivid metaphor for any unrealistic demand.
Examples
- My daughter wants a pony for her birthday and a trip to Disney World; she's really asking for the moon.
- The client's demands for the project timeline and budget were so unrealistic, it felt like they were asking for the moon.