English in a Minute: Wishful Thinking

When you make a wish, you hope for something to happen. But what is wishful thinking?

A: Dan, guess who’s going to win the lottery tomorrow.
D: I’m don’t know, Anna. You know your chances are like a billion to one.
A: I have a good feeling about this one. In fact, I test drove the car that I’m going to buy when I win!
A: What? A little wishful thinking can’t hurt.
D: A little wishful thinking?

With wishful thinking, we think or act like our wish is going to come true, even though it probably will not. I’m with Dan on this one. And I really hope Anna isn’t too excited about that new car.
And that’s English in a Minute.