fool's paradise

American  

noun

1. a state of enjoyment based on false beliefs or hopes; a state of illusory happiness.

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fool's paradise British  

noun

1. illusory happiness

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fool's paradise Idioms  

1. State of delusive contentment or false hope. For example, Joan lived in a fool's paradise, looking forward to a promotion she would never get. This expression was first recorded in 1462.

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Etymology

Origin of fool's paradise

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

"We would be living in a fool's paradise if we assume they are living in their own insulated world," Justin added.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

You haven’t any aspirations to live in a fool’s paradise, you’re not looking forward to that, and you’ve got your fingers crossed that you don’t.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2022

But see all of those fantasyland hues in a makeup tube and you might think only someone living in a fool's paradise would wear such lively colors on her face.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2015

We play a long game at K&L Gates, and managing to metrics expressed as averages is a fool’s paradise, emblematic of short-term thinking.

From Forbes • Aug. 13, 2014

A. Hopkins Parker was living in a fool’s paradise, wherever he was.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles