a figment of somebody's imagination

figment of (one's)/the imagination

An experience that initially is thought to be real but is actually imagined. I thought I heard the sound of my front door opening last night but it turned out to be a figment of my imagination. I really thought Callie liked me, but I guess it was a figment of my imagination if she's asked John to the dance instead. A: "Where did that file go? I could have sworn I left it right here." B: "Guess that was a figment of the imagination."

See also: figment, imagination, of

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

a figment of somebody’s imagiˈnation

something which somebody only imagines: Doctor, are you suggesting the pain is a figment of my imagination?

See also: figment, imagination, of

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017