build hopes on

build (one's) hopes on (someone or something)

To have expectations that are tied to the success, performance, etc., of a particular person or thing. Why are we building our hopes on him when we know he's not popular enough to defeat the incumbent? I had built my hopes on this promotion and was crushed when I didn't get it. If you build your hopes on the actions of other people, you're bound to be disappointed.

See also: build, hope, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

build one's hopes on someone or something

to make plans or have aspirations based on someone or something. I have built my hopes on making a success of this business. I built my hopes on John's presidency.

See also: build, hope, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.