build up (one's) hopes

build up (one's) hopes

To cause one to become excited at the prospect of something happening. If you build up Sadie's hopes about going to the carnival tonight, she'll be disappointed if we don't go. Don't build up his hopes about seeing Aunt Jen this weekend—I hear she's having car trouble. Good luck corralling the kids today—the mere mention of Christmas builds up their hopes for new toys.

See also: build, hope, up

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

build up/raise somebody’s ˈhopes

make somebody feel hopeful about something or persuade them that something good is going to happen: Don’t raise her hopes too much. She may not win.

See also: build, hope, raise, up

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