Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner

( Universal Pictures )

”If you build it, he will come.” -- “Field of Dreams” (1989)

The origins: Sometimes misquoted as “If you build it, they will come,” this line heard by farmer Ray Kinsella in his cornfield is referring to the return of disgraced White Sox player “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, who was exiled from Major League Baseball after conspiring to throw the 1919 World Series.

Proper use: An expression of cockeyed optimism in the face of doubt, discouragement or seemingly insurmountable odds. Best used during the planning stages of any major endeavor -- housing development, political campaign or small-business venture.

Improper use: Never to be spoken to orphans, widows or Elvis fans.