• Aspired
• Crossed one s fingers
• Didn't despair
• Didn't give up
• Expected
• Had a wish
• Had aspirations
• Had expectations
• Had faith
• Had fingers crossed
• Had great expectations
• Had one's fingers crossed
• Held expectations for
• Kept one's fingers crossed
• Played Pollyanna
• Subject of a renowned curse
• Trusted
• Waited and wanted
• Wanted
• Wanted very much
• Was optimistic
• Wasn't despondent
• Wished
• Wished (for)
• Yearned (for)