Definition of dream up

The phrase "dream up" has its roots in the Old English word "dremgean," meaning "to imagine or conceive." This Old English word evolved through Middle English to become "dreme," which still holds the meaning of "a sleep state characterized by vivid images, thoughts, and memories" in modern English. The origin of the phrase "dream up" can be traced back to the mid-16th century, around the time when the concept of the modern dream began to develop. "Dream up" originally referred to the act of arriving at a solution to a problem or a creative idea through the process of sleeping and dreaming. The phrase gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in the context of literature and artistic endeavors, where it was used to describe the creation of imaginative or fantastical content. Interestingly, the phrase "dream up" is not always used to indicate a positive or successful outcome. In some cases, it can connote the opposite, with "dreaming up" being used to describe a useless or impracticable plan or idea that has no chance of success. This secondary meaning of the phrase originates from the fact that dreams are not always rational or logical, and some may be considered impractical or fanciful. In summary, the phrase "dream up" originated from the Old English word "dremgean," which referred to the idea of imagining or conceiving something. It evolved through Middle English and gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly in relation to artistic and creative pursuits. The phrase can have positive or negative associations depending on the context, reflecting the dual nature of dreams themselves.