have stars in (one's) eyes

1. To have an overly idealistic or optimistic outlook, usually regarding one's hopes for success. I doubt she'll actually become a famous actress—she just has stars in her eyes. I know she had stars in her eyes when she started up her business. I don't think she has stars in her eyes. She's currently third in our grade—who's to say she won't overtake the others and become valedictorian by the end of the year?

2. To have an interest in film or theater and all things related to it. Ever since Tim saw that Broadway play, he's had stars in his eyes. No, you never did have stars in your eyes. You never went through a theater phase. My grandma loves the Academy Awards and can rattle off past winners like it's nothing. I guess she's always had stars in her eyes!

3. To have a very positive view of someone, as due to one's romantic interest in them. The first time I saw your father, I had stars in my eyes. He was just the most handsome man I'd ever seen. I think Sophia is extremely annoying, but all of the boys seem to have stars in their eyes whenever she's around. Gross. It wasn't love at first sight, if that's what you mean. No, Bobby was a total geek back then, and I definitely did not have stars in my eyes!

have stars in your eyes

be idealistically hopeful or enthusiastic, especially about a possible future in entertainment or sport.

have ˈstars in your eyes

if you have stars in your eyes, you are happy and excited about the future, because you believe that you will be successful and famous: Hundreds of young actors, all with stars in their eyes, are here for the auditions. ▶ ˌstarry-ˈeyed adj.: I was just a starry-eyed teenager, dreaming of singing on Broadway.