Have stars in one's eyes

Origin

As the 20th century dawned and the silver screen began to flicker with the magic of Hollywood, a new kind of dream took hold. Aspiring actors, dancers, and singers flocked to California, their gazes often described as wide, hopeful, and slightly unrealistic—as if reflecting the glittering lights of the marquee or the distant, unreachable stars of fame itself. This vivid image, capturing the naive optimism and boundless ambition of those captivated by the glamour and promise of show business, solidified into the common idiom, painting a picture of starry-eyed dreamers ready to chase their destiny.