nightmare

Everyday

1. A frightening or very upsetting dream. tree →
2. A very difficult or unpleasant situation or experience. tree →

In the lessons

In feelings lessons, nightmares are normal, especially after scary films or worries; talking about them, a calm bedtime and a nightlight help, and a nightmare is not real. In everyday speech, a traffic jam or a messy day can be «a nightmare». In stories, a nightmare can show what a character fears. Phrases: «have a nightmare», «wake up from a nightmare», «a nightmare journey», «a living nightmare».

Examples

• I had a nightmare about a giant spider. tree →
• She woke up screaming from a nightmare. tree →
• Scary films give me nightmares. tree →
• Getting home in the snow was a nightmare. tree →
• Dad said the traffic was a total nightmare. tree →
• After a nightmare, a hug from Mum helps. tree →
• Nightmares can feel real, but they are only dreams. tree →
• Losing the tickets would be a nightmare! tree →
• He thought he had a nightmare. tree →

Note

Countable; one word. The opposite of a bad dream is a «sweet dream». The old word «mare» meant an evil spirit, not a horse. If nightmares happen often, tell a parent or doctor.