proverb · Words worth keeping
Fear is the thief of dreams.
Fear is the thief of dreams.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Fear described as stealing dreams pictures an emotion interfering with hoped-for action. The saying draws attention to aims that may be abandoned through apprehension.
What the words are saying
A responsible reading does not blame fear or assume every dream should be pursued. Fear can indicate a real concern, and barriers may extend beyond emotion. A useful application considers support and feasible choices rather than demanding boldness or treating hesitation as low worth.
Everyday example
Someone considers a manageable supported step while taking a genuine concern seriously.
When to use it
Use it to discuss fear and possibilities without shaming the feeling.
What it does not mean
No universal cause of abandoned aims or duty to ignore danger is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Australia
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 441; PDF page 41; collection label: Australia
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Australia