hitch one's wagon to a star
To commit to an aspirational goal or course of action that will lead to fulfillment.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She decided to hitch her wagon to a star and pursue her dream.”
“By joining the innovative startup, he chose to hitch his wagon to a star and aim for a successful career in technology.”
“If you hitch your wagon to a star by applying for that prestigious fellowship, you might finally get the funding needed to finish your research project.”
“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.”
first recorded 19th c.
Coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his 1870 essay "Civilization," the expression originated as a piece of practical advice regarding the alignment of human labour with the forces of nature. Emerson suggested that one might achieve greater efficiency by connecting personal efforts to the celestial order, proposing that a man ought to hitch his wagon to a star to let the gods do his chores. The metaphor transitioned from this specific transcendentalist context into a general idiom for high ambition and the pursuit of lofty associations.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 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”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026