# dream up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dream-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to invent a new idea, plan, or story, especially one that is very creative or unusual.

For teachers: to conceive or invent an idea, plan, or story through the use of imagination; often implies the result is elaborate, fanciful, or slightly unrealistic.

## Examples

- She managed to dream up a great excuse for being late.
- The marketing team needs to dream up a new campaign to attract younger customers before the summer starts.
- It is difficult to imagine how the architect managed to dream up such a complex and gravity-defying structure using only basic materials.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He dreamed up of a new machine." but "He dreamed up a new machine." — the phrasal verb 'dream up' is transitive and takes a direct object without the extra preposition 'of'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a creative product like a plan, scheme, or story.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'think of' or 'invent'; 'dream up' suggests a higher degree of imagination or even a touch of eccentricity in the thought process.

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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.