# suspend one's disbelief

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/suspend-ones-disbelief
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To willingly accept the premise of a story or work of art, usually for the sake of enjoying it.

## Examples

- You must suspend your disbelief to enjoy this fantasy movie.
- The plot of the novel is quite strange, but you can enjoy it if you suspend your disbelief.
- To fully appreciate the surreal nature of the play, the audience must suspend their disbelief and accept the impossible world on stage.

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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.