It’s always a nice thing for people to tell you to “reach for the stars.” However, if you don’t know what the phrase means, then it can be one of confusion. While you may think people are telling you to become an astronaut, this is not correct at all!
To avoid further confusion the next time someone says this to you, here you will find the meaning and the origin of this phrase. You will see the phrase used correctly in context in some example sentences and conversations. Finally, you will find some alternative suggestions as to how you can say this phrase, using different words to relay the same meaning in conversation.
Reach For the Stars Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “reach for the stars” means to set your goals in life high or to keep setting your goals higher and higher to achieve the most in life and conquer difficult things.
Reach For the Stars Meaning
The phrase “reach for the stars” means to set high goals or to strive for something ambitious and seemingly difficult to achieve. It encourages aiming for one’s greatest dreams or aspirations, even if they seem far out of reach.
Origin of this Idiom
The phrase “reach for the stars” is said to come from a poem written by Virgil called the Aeneid. This Latin poem was written sometime between 29 and 19 BC. In the poem, Virgil mentions the phrase “sic atur ad astra” which is Latin means “one’s journey to the stars.” He also uses the phrase “opta ardua pennis astra sequi” meaning “desire to pursue the difficult to reach stars.” These two phrases were combined to create the term and the definition above.
Usage of “Reach For the Stars”
Here are some examples of how to use “reach for the stars” in different contexts:
- Encouraging someone to aim high:
- “Don’t settle for less—reach for the stars and follow your dreams!”
- Motivating in a speech or advice:
- “In life, it’s important to always reach for the stars because even if you fall short, you’ll land among the clouds.”
- Talking about personal ambition:
- “She’s always reaching for the stars, whether it’s in her career or personal life.”
- Inspiring students or children:
- “Remember, kids, you can achieve anything if you reach for the stars and work hard.”
- Describing a dream or goal:
- “I know it sounds ambitious, but I’m reaching for the stars with this new business venture.”
Related Terms to “Reach For the Stars”
- Aim high – To set lofty goals or have high ambitions.
- Shoot for the moon – To set very high goals or aspirations.
- Dream big – To have grand, ambitious dreams or goals.
- Set your sights high – To aim for a challenging or ambitious goal.
- Go for it – A phrase encouraging someone to pursue their dreams or ambitions.
- Pursue your dreams – To actively work toward achieving one’s aspirations.
- Aspire to greatness – To strive for excellence or high achievement.
- Chase your dreams – To follow one’s passions and work hard to achieve personal goals.
- Go the extra mile – To put in extra effort to achieve success or reach a goal.
- Reach your potential – To strive to achieve everything you’re capable of.
Alternatives to “Reach For The Stars”
There are many alternative phrases that you can use in place of the phrase “reach for the stars” that mean the same thing. Some of the alternative phrases you could say include:
- Aim for the stars
- Shoot for the stars
- Aim for the fences
“Reach For the Stars” Examples
Example Sentences
- My mother and father always told me to reach for the stars and never give up.
- I have always told my kids to reach for the stars because if they never try how can they succeed.
Example Conversations
A discussion between mother and daughter.
- Daughter: I just want to give up, mom. I am never going to understand this.
- Mother: I won’t let you give up. What have I always told you?
- Daughter: You have always told me to reach for the stars. How can I though when I am just not getting it?
- Mother: You just keep trying.
A discussion between two co-workers.
- Co-worker 1: I feel like I am never going to get anywhere with this company.
- Co-worker 2: Just keep your eye on the prize and reach for the stars. You will get to where you want to be eventually.
- Co-worker 1: Good point! I guess I can’t just expect to be where I want to be overnight.