chase a quixotic ideal
/tʃeɪs ə kwɪkˈsɒtɪk aɪˈdɪəl/
verb phrase
-
To pursue an extremely idealistic but unrealistic or impractical goal, often with a noble but misguided sense of purpose and little chance of success.
C1transitiveliterary, formal
- "He spent years chasing a quixotic ideal of perfect equality."B2
- "Critics argued that the movement was chasing a quixotic ideal rather than pursuing achievable reforms."C2
Common mistakes
- chase a quixotic idea→chase a quixotic ideal
An ideal is a perfect or highly desirable principle or goal; an idea is simply a thought or suggestion.