"Genie in a bottle" is a Brexit delusion. "Message in a bottle" is Brexit reality.

By George ILIEV
Brexit Metaphor No 48

Hard Brexiteers are treating Brexit as an opportunity to rub Aladdin's lamp and have the "genie in a bottle" grant them any wish they have on their wishlist. But Santa-style delusions based on an Arabian Nights illusion never come true.

The sad reality is they should instead be sending a "message in a bottle" to the EU: 

"From a small island in the North Atlantic (plus a quarter of another island): 

We desperately need your Single Market, as our beetroot and potatoes won't last us much longer."

Genie in a bottle, looking skeptical (Prague, Nov 2018)

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Notes:
1. Timeline: This article is part of a daily #BrexitMetaphors series, with 113 more Brexit Metaphors to follow until Brexit day, March 29, 2019.
2. Disclosure: The author has a master's degree in European Integration.
3. Invitation: If you'd like to contribute to the debate, you are welcome to leave a comment below.