hacerse ilusiones
USAGE NOTE
This idiom may be literally translated as "to make hopes for oneself."
hacerse ilusiones
A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
1. (idiom) (to build up one's expectations)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
a. to get one's hopes up
No te hagas ilusiones. Es muy difícil que te toque la lotería.Don't get your hopes up. It's very difficult to win the lottery.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No quiero hacerme ilusiones. No creo que me ofrezcan el puesto a mí; tengo compañeros con más experiencia.I don't want to get my hopes too high. I don't think they'll offer me the job; some of my coworkers are more experienced.
Creo que le gusto a Cristina, pero quizá me estoy haciendo demasiadas ilusiones.I think Cristina likes me, but maybe that's just wishful thinking.
2. (idiom) (to daydream)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
a. to fantasize
De niño me hacía ilusiones de llegar a ser una estrella del baloncesto.I used to fantasize about becoming a basketball star as a child.
3. (idiom) (to be thrilled)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
a. to get excited
Los exiliados se hicieron muchas ilusiones cuando les llegó la noticia de la muerte del dictador.The exiles got really excited when they got the news of the dictator's death.
4. (idiom) (to feel flattered)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
a. to flatter oneself
¿De verdad quieres salir a bailar conmigo? - Sí, pero no te hagas ilusiones. No es una cita.Do you really want to go out dancing with me? - Yeah, but don't flatter yourself. It's not a date.
Examples
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