Wish upon a star
Meaning
To make a hopeful request or express a strong desire, believing it might be granted by a magical or cosmic force associated with stars.
Origin
While the ancient practice of looking to stars for guidance and fortune is as old as civilization itself, the phrase "wish upon a star" was profoundly cemented in modern culture by Walt Disney. The 1940 animated classic, Pinocchio, featured the iconic song "When You Wish Upon a Star," which transformed a long-held, somewhat vague superstition into a powerful, beloved idiom for hope and the pursuit of dreams. This enchanting melody and its enduring message instilled the romantic notion that with enough earnest desire, even the most impossible aspirations can come true, all under the guiding light of a distant star.
Examples
- Every night before bed, the little girl would wish upon a star for a puppy.
- After seeing the shooting star, he quickly closed his eyes and wished upon a star for good luck in his upcoming exam.