6. Dreaming the Impossible: Exploring Unattainable Desires (Idioms)
Riya: Hi Advik! What’s on your mind today?
Advik: Hey Riya! I’ve been feeling like I’m chasing rainbows lately.
Riya: Oh, I know what you mean! It feels like we’re always trying to catch the moon, doesn’t it?
Advik: Exactly! I keep wishing for things that are as rare as hen’s teeth.
Riya: I hear you! Sometimes it feels like we’re trying to squeeze blood out of a stone.
Advik: Yeah, it’s like trying to hold water in a sieve. No matter how hard I try, it just slips away.
Riya: I totally get it. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Advik: Yeah, or like trying to square the circle. It just doesn’t seem possible.
Riya: I wish we could make our dreams come true, but sometimes it feels like we’re barking up the wrong tree.
Advik: Yeah, it’s like trying to teach an old dog new tricks. Some things just can’t be changed.
Riya: Well, they say where there’s a will, there’s a way. Maybe if we keep believing, our impossible dreams will come true someday.
Advik: That’s a nice thought, Riya. Let’s keep our chin up and keep reaching for the stars, even if they seem out of reach.
Riya: Absolutely! After all, every cloud has a silver lining, right?
Advik: Right! Thanks for the pep talk, Riya. It feels good to know I’m not alone in this.
Riya: Anytime, Advik. We’re in this together, come rain or shine.
Difficult words, phrasal verbs, and idioms from the conversation:
- Chasing rainbows: Pursuing something that is unlikely to be obtained or achieved. Example: “She’s been chasing rainbows trying to make him notice her.”
- Catch the moon: Attempting to achieve the impossible. Example: “I feel like I’m trying to catch the moon whenever I try to finish all my homework in one night.”
- Rare as hen’s teeth: Extremely rare or scarce. Example: “Finding a parking spot in this busy area is as rare as hen’s teeth.”
- Squeeze blood out of a stone: Attempting to extract something that is not there or very difficult to obtain. Example: “Trying to get her to open up about her feelings is like trying to squeeze blood out of a stone.”
- Hold water in a sieve: Trying to contain or control something that is impossible to contain or control. Example: “His excuses for being late don’t hold water in a sieve.”
- Find a needle in a haystack: Trying to locate something extremely difficult to find. Example: “Searching for my lost earring in this messy room is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.”
- Square the circle: Attempting to do something that is logically or mathematically impossible. Example: “Trying to convince him to change his mind is like trying to square the circle.”
- Barking up the wrong tree: Pursuing the wrong course of action or looking in the wrong place for something. Example: “She’s been barking up the wrong tree thinking he would apologize without being asked.”
- Teach an old dog new tricks: Attempting to teach someone, especially an older person, new skills or habits. Example: “My grandma says she’s too old to learn how to use a smartphone, but I think you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
- Every cloud has a silver lining: Optimistic outlook on challenges or difficulties, suggesting that something positive can be found in every negative situation. Example: “Even though I didn’t get the job I wanted, I know that every cloud has a silver lining, and something better will come along.”
Are you ready for the assignment?
Assignment Title: “Dreams and Dilemmas: Sharing Impossible Desires”
Assignment Description: Reflect on a desire or dream in your life that feels impossible to achieve or obtain. Record a video or audio message where you discuss this experience, using idioms and expressions similar to the conversation between Riya and Advik. Share what the desire is, why it feels unattainable, and how you cope with the challenges of pursuing it. Try to speak for at least 2-3 minutes, using details and examples to explain your thoughts and feelings.
Tips for Generating Ideas:
- Think about the conversation between Riya and Advik. What were the idioms and expressions they used to describe their impossible desires?
- Reflect on your own experiences. Is there a dream or desire you’ve had that seems out of reach or unattainable?
- Consider why this desire feels impossible. Is it due to external circumstances, personal limitations, or other factors?
- Explore how you cope with the challenges of pursuing this desire. Do you find ways to stay optimistic, or do you focus on more realistic goals?
- Imagine how you would express your feelings about this impossible desire using idioms and expressions. How would you describe the situation to someone else?
Submission Instructions: Record a video or audio message where you share your impossible desire and discuss why it feels unattainable. Use idioms and expressions similar to those used in the conversation between Riya and Advik to express your thoughts and feelings. Once you’re happy with your recording, submit it according to your teacher’s instructions.
Remember to be honest and open about your feelings, and don’t be afraid to use colorful language to express yourself!