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
His co-star this season, Jon Hamm, playing the suave, space-loving billionaire that Elon Musk can only wish to be, will join him.
—
Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024
The right-hander still owns a 5.14 ERA on the season, however, the club can only hope Thursday was the first step in the closer to regaining his All-Star form.
—James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 13 June 2024
For activity to really rise, mortgage rates have to fall, and the only hope for mortgage rates is interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.
—Alena Botros, Fortune, 10 June 2024
The White Sox can only hope to write a similar ending in 2025.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope 
Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024
The right-hander still owns a 5.14 ERA on the season, however, the club can only hope Thursday was the first step in the closer to regaining his All-Star form.
—James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 13 June 2024
For activity to really rise, mortgage rates have to fall, and the only hope for mortgage rates is interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.
—Alena Botros, Fortune, 10 June 2024
The White Sox can only hope to write a similar ending in 2025.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'only wish/want/hope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near only wish/want/hope
Cite this Entry
“Only wish/want/hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/only%20wish%2Fwant%2Fhope. Accessed 29 Jun. 2024.
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