# hitch one's wagon to a star

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hitch-ones-wagon-to-a-star
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.