promise the moon
Vow unrealistic things
To promise the moon is to make extravagant commitments that are unlikely to be fulfilled.
Politicians promise the moon during campaigns; suitors promise the moon when courting.
The phrase implies either naïve optimism or deliberate deception—offering something wonderful but unattainable: He promised her the moon, then disappeared after the wedding.
- pie in the skyUnrealistic hope or plan
- castles in the airFanciful, impractical schemes
- blue sky thinkingUnrestricted imaginative brainstorming
- wishYearned-for outcome
- vowSolemn personal commitment
blow smoke · tall tales · pipe dream · hope · holy grail · wild goose chase · wishful thinking · fairy tale ending · fool's errand · undertake · guarantee · talk big · assurance · oath · overstate · flatter · lie · pledge
promise the moondeliver the goods
Fulfill what was promised
follow through · keep one's word · walk the talk · come through · walk the walk
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