The idiomatic phrase “pie in the sky” is one you may hear or see a lot in everyday conversation and writing. Here you will find the definition of this phrase and the explanation of its origin. You will also find examples of how to use this phrase properly in conversations/statements and learn other ways to say the same thing using a more literal expression.
“Pie in The Sky” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “pie in the sky” refers to a promise or hope for something that is unlikely to happen or unrealistic. It suggests that an idea or plan sounds appealing but is impractical or too far-fetched to come true.
“Pie In The Sky” Meaning
The phrase “pie in the sky” refers to an unrealistic or overly optimistic expectation or promise that is unlikely to be fulfilled. It often implies that the idea is fanciful or impractical, suggesting a hope that is not grounded in reality.
Examples:
- “While the proposal sounds great, it’s just pie in the sky; we need a more realistic plan.”
- “His dreams of becoming a millionaire overnight are nothing but pie in the sky.”
Origin of This Idiom
This phrase comes from the 20th century where it was used in a song parody. In 1911, a member of a labor organization by the name of Joe Hill first used the phrase in his song “The Preacher and the Slave.” The phrase became popular in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Since then it has been a widely used idiom in the English language.
Usage of “Pie In The Sky”
- Talking about unrealistic plans:
“His idea of quitting his job to travel the world without any savings is just pie in the sky.”
- In a business setting:
“The proposal sounds great on paper, but without proper funding, it’s nothing more than pie in the sky.”
- Referring to political promises:
“Politicians often make pie-in-the-sky promises that they can’t realistically keep.”
- Discussing a far-fetched dream:
“Opening a luxury restaurant in such a small town seems like pie in the sky—it’s just not practical.”
Related Terms to “Pie In The Sky”
- Wishful thinking – the formation of beliefs based on what is pleasing to imagine rather than on evidence or reality.
- Castle in the air – an idea or plan that is unrealistic or unlikely to be realized.
- Daydream – a series of pleasant thoughts that distract one’s attention from the present.
- Unrealistic expectations – hopes or beliefs that are not grounded in reality.
- Fantasy – an imagined event or situation that is unlikely to happen.
- Pipe dream – a hope or plan that is impossible or extremely unlikely to be realized.
- Chasing rainbows – pursuing unrealistic or unattainable goals.
- Utopian vision – an idealized and often impractical view of how society could be.
- Fool’s errand – a task that is pointless or unlikely to succeed.
- Hollow promise – a commitment that is not meant to be fulfilled or is unlikely to be realized.
Other Ways to Say “Pie In The Sky”
Like all idiomatic phrases, there are other ways to say “pie in the sky” and still convey the same message. Other ways to say this phrase include:
- It sounds great, but it’s not likely to happen.
- It sounds amazing but highly unlikely.
- It’s unlikely, but you can keep wishing.
“Pie In The Sky” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement made in the local newspaper by a politician about his opponent.
- “I don’t agree with a lot of what she promises. To me, it’s a lot of pie-in-the-sky promises that she can’t fulfill.”
A statement made in an entertainment magazine by a celebrity.
- “As a child, my parents told me my dreams were nothing but a pie in the sky. All I can say now is ‘Hey, look mom! I made it!'”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between two high school students regarding the upcoming student council elections.
- Student 1: Some of the things the candidates for student body President were promising sound great!
- Student 2: Yeah, but most of them will never happen.
- Student 1: You’re right. It’s just some pie in the sky dream.
A conversation between a father and his daughter.
- Daughter: Daddy, I want a puppy.
- Father: We can’t have a puppy right now.
- Daughter: Why not?
- Father: Because we live in an apartment and the rules say we can’t have one.
- Daughter: Well, that’s just great. I guess my dreams of being a dog owner are pie in the sky.
Other examples:
- Building a baseball field downtown is just pie in the sky right now.
- His dream to become President is just pie in the sky.
- To complete the task in one day is pie in the sky.
- His plans for converting his house into an antique shop are just pie in the sky.
- Their ideas about reforming the prison system are just pie in the sky.