burst bubble

burst (one's) bubble

To bring someone back to reality, especially if they are dreaming or fantasizing about something unrealistic. Look, I hate to burst your bubble, but there is no way you're getting into Harvard! You're a C student!
See also: bubble, burst

burst (someone's) bubble

To disprove, ruin, or eliminate someone's fantasy, delusion, misbelief, or recent happiness. Sorry to burst your bubble, Janet, but Sarah only went out on a date with you to make Suzie jealous. I'm happy you won, and I don't mean to burst your bubble while you're celebrating, but your opponent could use some encouragement.
See also: bubble, burst
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

burst someone's bubble

Fig. to destroy someone's illusion or delusion; to destroy someone's fantasy. I hate to burst your bubble, but Columbus did not discover Canada. Even if you think I am being foolish, please don't burst my bubble.
See also: bubble, burst
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • burst (one's) bubble
  • burst somebody's bubble
  • burst someone's bubble
  • bust (one's) bubble
  • bring (one) back to reality
  • bring back to reality
  • bring somebody/come down to earth
  • come down to earth
  • get your head out of the clouds
  • Get your head out of the clouds!
References in periodicals archive
You have limited time and you have to burst bubbles to make as may words as possible to cross the target score.
Worbble (for Android and iOS)
These results including the relative rarity of most asset price booms ending in busts or being followed by recessions (i,e., becoming burst bubbles)--should cause a reconsideration of leaning against the asset price wind by monetary policymakers.
Monetary policy, bubbles, and the knowledge problem
The consequences of burst bubbles in Japan in the 1980's and in the United States last year are powerful reasons why China's government has acted with such determination, while the legacy of a functioning centralized system may explain why it has proven capable of doing so decisively.
The illusion of a Chinese bubble
The consequences of burst bubbles in Japan in the 1980s and in the United States last year are powerful reasons why China's government has acted with such determination, while the legacy of a functioning centralized system may explain why it has proven capable of doing so decisively.
The presumption of a Chinese bubble is not borne out
Research carried out in Japan after its long period of recession and burst bubbles found that chasing a well-priced equity properly was returning around 3% a year, at a time when the markets those investors were operating in were performing at -4% annually.
Markets' bargain bins have plenty to offer
Burst bubbles. As the cake mixture is beaten, bubbles of air are trapped.
Why?
"If we'd got another goal and drawn 2-2 we wouldn't be having a conversation about burst bubbles. It's no disgrace to get beaten by a team doing well in the Champions League.
No panic at Caley as slump deepens
Why Bubbles are Great for the Economy explores the upsides of burst bubbles, will host an economists' roundtable which will provide a clear picture of the current economy.
IMN hosts conference examining securitization
'It's a good time of year to burst bubbles but I am very hopeful.
'I have a dream - Post can make it come true' Head-Maarek's ambition to win Derby for France