Usage Note
Illusion covers both a perceptual trick (illusion d'optique = optical illusion) and a false belief (se faire des illusions = to kid oneself). Perdre ses illusions means to become disillusioned. The verb illusionner is less common; désillusion ('disillusionment') is the frequent derivative.
Examples
"Il se fait des illusions sur ses chances."
Natural Translation
He is deluding himself about his chances.
Literal Translation
He is making illusions for himself about his chances.

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