The streets are paved with gold
phrase
A place or situation where one can become very rich.
Many people move to New York thinking the streets are paved with gold, only to find themselves struggling with high living costs.
Often appears as...
- dream that the streets are paved with gold
- believe the streets are paved with gold
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
An overly optimistic perception or unrealistic expectation.
It's childish to believe that the streets are paved with gold everywhere abroad; every place has its challenges.
Often appears as...
- believe the streets are paved with gold
- think the streets are paved with gold
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A place or situation where one can become very rich.
Many people move to New York thinking the streets are paved with gold, only to find themselves struggling with high living costs.
Often appears as...
- dream that the streets are paved with gold
- believe the streets are paved with gold
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
An overly optimistic perception or unrealistic expectation.
It's childish to believe that the streets are paved with gold everywhere abroad; every place has its challenges.
Often appears as...
- believe the streets are paved with gold
- think the streets are paved with gold
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Realistic Hopes
Understand the phrase often implies unrealistic expectations, not guaranteed success.
He thought the streets are paved with gold in Hollywood, but actors face stiff competition.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember the phrase is metaphorical; streets aren't really gold-covered.
In her stories, the immigrant nation's streets are paved with gold, symbolizing fortune.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Myth
Recognize it's often related to the American Dream or similar cultural concepts.
He bought into the American myth that the streets are paved with gold for all hard workers.
Pro Tip 1/3Realistic Hopes
Understand the phrase often implies unrealistic expectations, not guaranteed success.
He thought the streets are paved with gold in Hollywood, but actors face stiff competition.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember the phrase is metaphorical; streets aren't really gold-covered.
In her stories, the immigrant nation's streets are paved with gold, symbolizing fortune.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Myth
Recognize it's often related to the American Dream or similar cultural concepts.
He bought into the American myth that the streets are paved with gold for all hard workers.
Pro Tip 1/3Realistic Hopes
Understand the phrase often implies unrealistic expectations, not guaranteed success.
He thought the streets are paved with gold in Hollywood, but actors face stiff competition.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Remember the phrase is metaphorical; streets aren't really gold-covered.
In her stories, the immigrant nation's streets are paved with gold, symbolizing fortune.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Myth
Recognize it's often related to the American Dream or similar cultural concepts.
He bought into the American myth that the streets are paved with gold for all hard workers.
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