Question:
Validity of phrase "WORST NIGHTMARE"?
nightmare (noun)
A dream arousing feelings of intense fear, horror, and distress.
worst (adjective)
Most inferior, as in quality, condition, or effect.
best (adjective)
Surpassing all others in excellence, achievement, or quality.
So, WORST+NIGHTMARE
i.e. the most inferior quality, of fear and distress=> something pleasant, the exact opposite of what you wanted to express!
What do you think?
Additional Details2 months ago
nightmare (noun)
A dream arousing feelings of intense fear, horror, and distress.
worst (adjective)
Most inferior, as in quality, condition, or effect.
best (adjective)
Surpassing all others in excellence, achievement, or quality.
So, WORST+NIGHTMARE
i.e. the most inferior quality, of fear and distress=> something pleasant, the exact opposite of what you wanted to express!
What do you think?
My suggestion: WORST DREAM
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I see what you mean when you put it that way, but as the phrase is usually used, I think it's definitely a valid phrase, especially when you consider that "worst" really means the extreme of "bad", or "most bad", if you will, like this:
"bad nightmare"; worse nightmare"; "worst nightmare".
So to say something is your worst nightmare is to say it is as bad as the very "baddest", ie, "worst" one.