Get stars in your eyes
Meaning
To be filled with optimistic dreams, unrealistic hopes, or intense admiration, often to the point of being naive.
Origin
The phrase conjures a vivid image of wide-eyed wonder and dazzling optimism, a vision so potent it seems to reflect the sparkle of distant stars. While not tied to a single definitive event, its widespread use and evocative power grew significantly during the 20th century, particularly influenced by the golden age of Hollywood. The glamour and dreams associated with movie stars and the silver screen often inspired a kind of starry-eyed longing in audiences, a sense of seeing the world through a filter of idealized romance and aspirational fantasy. This powerful visual metaphor captures the essence of being captivated by a dream, allowing one's hopes to shine brightly, even when tinged with a touch of impracticality.
Examples
- When she spoke about moving to Paris to become an artist, you could tell she had stars in her eyes.
- He got stars in his eyes thinking about the prize money, completely overlooking the monumental effort required to win the competition.