ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fool's paradise

idiom
Meaning

A state of happiness due to illusion or false hope.


Origin

first recorded 15th c.

From Middle English foles paradise, folis paradyce, first recorded in the Paston Letters (1462).

Examples
SIMPLE

He's living in a fool's paradise about his chances.

CONTEXTUAL

She was in a fool's paradise, believing the deal would close without any problems.

COMPLEX

The investors dwelt in a fool's paradise, ignoring the warning signs until the market collapsed around them.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    paradise on earth

    An ideal or idyllic place.

  2. 02

    trouble in paradise

    An unexpected problem in a supposedly positive situation, especially in a marital or romantic relationship.

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