run away with the idea

run away with the idea

To take a fantastical or unrealistic idea as something that is definitely true or destined to happen. His book appeared on a local bestseller list, and now he's run away with the idea of being a famous author. Local tabloids are running away with the idea of the mayor being a part of a big conspiracy.
See also: away, idea, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run aˈway with the idea/notion

(spoken) believe something that is not true: Don’t run away with the idea that you’re going to be famous just because you’ve appeared on television once.
See also: away, idea, notion, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • run away with the idea/notion
  • run away with the notion
  • be meant to be
  • be meant to be something
  • give (someone) a big head
  • be in a dream world
  • delusion
  • delusions of grandeur
  • cast beyond the moon
  • a flight of fancy
References in classic literature
Yet don't run away with the idea that this poor Faustina was the only woman I ever cared about.
I forget how well you know your Swinburne, Bunny; but don't you run away with the idea that there was anything else in common between his Faustine and mine.
Don't run away with the idea I've had you fellows down to play an exhibition game just to keep me merry and bright.
But, good Lord, don't run away with the idea that I don't see the drawbacks--horrors--unmentionable things done in our very midst!
And don't you run away with the idea that all will be plain sailing; nothing will be easier than getting some stuff, and nothing harder than avoiding all suspicion, as, of course, we must.
Highlighting the environmental work being done, but also stressing the limitations imposed by its size and nature, Darren said: "Wales's upland farms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but many people run away with the idea they all have vast areas of moorland and mountain.
Mr Williams said: "Wales' upland farms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but many people run away with the idea they all have vast areas of moorland and mountain.
Even so, no one could be sure that a narcissistic, constitutionally illiterate and compromised former TV celebrity who won the popular vote would not run away with the idea that they were something other than a non-political ornament.
Consistently the strongest finisher in the competition, connections of all the other finalists will be casting an eye to his in-running position but do not run away with the idea he is short of initial speed, as round two showed.
"I wouldn't want people to run away with the idea that creating something as substantial as the Commonwealth Games is an easy initiative.
But let's not run away with the idea that problems caused by 'light touch' regulation are confined to food.
However, do not run away with the idea this was a oneman show, however good, because that would be to demean others of real stature.
"She shouldn't have been in the opening ceremony but don't run away with the idea that she sort of walked in off the street."
"But let's not run away with the idea that Reid can't upset the odds in Cardiff.
But don't run away with the idea that the cruise was all about the food.