wouldn't dream of

Idioms

Also, not dream of. Not occur to one, not consider, as in Even if it were lying open on my desk, I wouldn't dream of reading another person's letter. This expression uses dream of in the sense of “remotely think of.” [First half of 1500s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most people I’ve met in public service wake up each day and do their work in a serious and ethical manner; they wouldn’t dream of accepting gifts.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2023

I wouldn’t dream of not ordering nham kao tod.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

“I wouldn’t dream of taking my hands off the wheel using that system, just because it can do things unexpectedly,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2023

Her emailed verdict: “I certainly couldn’t live with it painted on my wall — and wouldn’t dream of subjecting a client to it.”

From New York Times • Apr. 21, 2022

"I wouldn't dream of it," Miss Honey said.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023