unilateral wish; wishful thinking
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesidiom
to act based solely on one's own willingness while disregarding the other party's wishes (in mutual matters)
Often used in interpersonal contexts such as relationships, negotiations, or cooperation where mutual consent is required. Also written as 一厢情愿.
You cannot force others to accept your views based on unilateral wishful thinking.
Marriage concerns two people; it cannot be one-sided.
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He wishfully assumed the other person liked him too, only to be rejected after confessing his feelings.
idiom
to act entirely based on subjective wishes without considering objective conditions; wishful thinking
Used broadly to describe any situation where someone ignores reality and acts only on their own desires. Also written as 一厢情愿.
You cannot make plans based on wishful thinking; you must consider the actual situation.
Ignoring market demand and wishfully expanding production resulted in massive overstock.
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Decision-making cannot be based on wishful thinking; various objective factors must be fully considered.