---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The lamentable expression: 'But it was…"
description: "\"The lamentable expression: 'But it was only a dream\", the increasing use of which - among others in the domain of the cinema - has contributed not a li..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/465/andr-breton-2478_cinema_the-lamentable-expression-but-it-was-onl_2657042.jpg"
---

#  The lamentable expression: 'But it was only a dream", the…

![“The lamentable expression: 'But it was only a dream&quot;, the increasing use of which - among others in the domain of the cinema - has contributed not a little to encourage such hypocrisy, has for a long while ceased to merit discussion.” quote by Andre Breton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/465/andr-breton-2478_cinema_the-lamentable-expression-but-it-was-onl_2657042.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/465/andr-breton-2478_cinema_the-lamentable-expression-but-it-was-onl_2657042.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/465/andr-breton-2478_cinema_the-lamentable-expression-but-it-was-onl_2657042.jpg)

> “The lamentable expression: 'But it was only a dream", the increasing use of which - among others in the domain of the cinema - has contributed not a little to encourage such hypocrisy, has for a long while ceased to merit discussion.”

[Andre Breton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andr-breton/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overusing the phrase “it was only a dream” masks reality and fosters hypocrisy, especially in cinema.

**In simple terms:** Dream excuses hide truth.

Key Takeaway

Avoid dismissive language that obscures accountability.

Themes

truth authenticity media critique

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- film analysis
- political discourse
- personal reflection

Key Concepts

surrealism language manipulation cultural criticism

Questions to Reflect On

- When have you used “it was only a dream” to avoid responsibility?
- How does this phrase affect audience perception?

A Different Perspective

May be seen as overly critical of artistic expression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Ceased Merit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ceased-merit-2397221/) [Cinema](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinema/) [Discussion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discussion/) [Domain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/domain/) [Dream](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dream/) [Dreams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dreams/) [Encourage Hypocrisy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/encourage-hypocrisy-2397220/) [Expression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expression/) [Film](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/film/) [Hypocrisy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hypocrisy/) [Hypocrisy Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hypocrisy-long-2397219/) [Littles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/littles/) [Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long/) [Long Ceased](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-ceased-848916/) [Merit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/merit/) [Use](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/use/)

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