On this show we talk about the origins and meanings of common expressions in American English . Every week we dream up topics you might find interesting . Well , we also do research . But today we have dreamt up a show on “dreams .” Dreams are the visions we have when we are asleep . But the word “dream ” fills the expressions we use when we are awake . “The stuff dreams are made of ” is a romantic expression . It describes a really wonderful experience . For example , let's say you really love flight and space travel . So , a friend invites you to see a launch of a space shuttle . She even invites you to meet the astronauts who are going to fly into space . After this experience you can say to her , “That was the stuff dreams are made of ! It's a dream come true !” A dream come true is exactly that – a dream that has become reality . Let's make it even better . Let's say your friend can get you on the space shuttle . You can actually wear a space suit and sit in the flight commander's seat ! That would be beyond your wildest dreams . In other words , even you could not have dreamed up such a wonderful experience . However , once you enter the space shuttle you feel ill . Your hands shake and you are unable to talk . The astronauts try to help you . But you freak out , yelling , “Let me out of here ! Let me out of here !” When you start throwing the flight manuals around the cockpit , the police come and remove you from the shuttle . It's a disaster . After the police take your statement and your fingerprints , your friend tries to calm you down . She tells that everything will be okay . But all you can say to her is , “I wish it was all just a bad dream .” But it wasn't . You are barred from participating in any NASA-related field trips . And now you have a police record . However , months later your childhood dream of space travel comes back strong . You decide to become a pilot . Your friend advises against it . She reminds you that you have a severe case of claustrophobia , a fear of being in small spaces . She calls your goal of becoming a pilot a pipe dream . A pipe dream is a hope or wish that is impossible to achieve . This expression began in the late 19th century . Those dreams rarely come true . But you insist it is possible for you to be the first person to fly around the world with your faithful pet cat -- Galaxy . Your friend , however , says , “Dream on !” She could also say , “In your dreams !” Both of these informal expressions are ways of saying that someone's idea is a fantasy . Friends can use them in a funny way with each other . Otherwise , both expressions can sound a little mean . Then your friend uses another informal expression . She tells you to wake up and smell the coffee ! She adds that you are living in a dream world if you think you can become a world-famous pilot who flies with a cat . People who live in a dream world are unrealistic . They refuse to face facts . Your friend's remarks are hard for you to hear . But you know she is right . So , you decide to write a children's book about someone who flies around the world with a beloved pet . As you are already a children's book author , this is a dream that can definitely come true . For the next few months , you happily daydream about the story you will write . To daydream is to let your creative mind , your imagination , take over . Luckily for you , you can daydream anywhere – not just in small spaces such as a cockpit . It turns out you are better dreaming about air travel than doing it . Your book is a spectacular success . With the money you make from your book sales , you are finally able to buy your dream house . And it has a special room just for Galaxy , your cat . Your proud friend invites you to speak at the school where she teaches . You tell her students to follow their dreams and to dream big . You also tell them that even broken dreams have value . You can always pick up the pieces and make a new one ! That night you call her on the phone to thank her for reminding you to never stop dreaming . She says that is what friends are for . And you know , I wouldn't dream of doing anything else .