Dreaming of being kidnapped: What It Means

Being chased is one of the most common dream themes and usually reflects pressure, deadlines or something you'd rather avoid. If you escaped in the end, it's often read as getting through the tough part.

Being tricked or cheated in a dream leaves a sour taste of loss or betrayal. It's traditionally read as a call for caution, though some see it as getting a worry out of your system before it ever happens.

Hiding from someone in a dream reflects a wish to avoid a heavy situation. In some traditions it's also read as quietly getting past a moment of danger.

A car crash dream usually expresses anxiety about sudden change or things colliding in your life. Surviving the crash, though, is often read as a sign that you'll get through a hard patch.

Drowning dreams usually reflect feeling overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances. Because water is often tied to abundance in folk readings, some traditions give them a more hopeful twist depending on the details.

Thief dreams usually mirror fear of loss or feeling violated. A few folk traditions twist them into a sign of incoming gain, so the feeling in the dream is the best guide.