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
The princess doesn’t only want a man’s riches but the whole package – a husband with money that will romance her.
—
Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
Still, the legal rule Becket seeks in Mahmoud would be so disruptive to public schools that teachers and administrators can only hope that the justices stay their hand in this case.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025
Now, her only hope of breaking free of her creative shackles lies with the talking Ashley doll that was made in her likeness.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Once can only hope production refrains from continued behavior that cheapens the experiences of the Black women who contribute to their show.
—Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for only wish/want/hope
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Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
Still, the legal rule Becket seeks in Mahmoud would be so disruptive to public schools that teachers and administrators can only hope that the justices stay their hand in this case.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025
Now, her only hope of breaking free of her creative shackles lies with the talking Ashley doll that was made in her likeness.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Once can only hope production refrains from continued behavior that cheapens the experiences of the Black women who contribute to their show.
—Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 5 May. 2025.
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