only wish/want/hope

idiom

used to stress that someone's wishing/wanting/hoping something is the simple truth
He only wished she'd told him sooner.
I only wish I knew what was going on.
He only wanted to help.
I only hope she can get over this.

Examples of only wish/want/hope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Rays can only hope the time off before resuming play Friday at home against the Orioles can do them some good. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025 Trump and Karoline Leavitt only want friendly coverage This is what happens when Trump and his handlers surround him with sycophants instead of journalists. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 11 July 2025 Regarding his work's success onscreen, Kwan recognized that Hollywood seems to only want characters of color that are aspirational and rich — like his own. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 8 July 2025 As Gary Harm Reduction looks to the future, Bailey can only hope that solutions are possible and people will help those struggling with drug use in the community. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope

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Cite this Entry

“Only wish/want/hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/only%20wish%2Fwant%2Fhope. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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