ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hitch one's wagon to a star

idiom
Meaning

To commit to an aspirational goal or course of action that will lead to fulfillment.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

Coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay Civilization (1870).

Examples
SIMPLE

She decided to hitch her wagon to a star and pursue her dream.

CONTEXTUAL

By joining the innovative startup, he chose to hitch his wagon to a star and aim for a successful career in technology.

COMPLEX

The young artist resolved to hitch her wagon to a star, dedicating her life to the pursuit of creative excellence despite the many challenges ahead.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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