Pie in the Sky — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

An idea or hope that sounds wonderful but is completely unrealistic or impossible to achieve.

Pie in the sky is used to dismiss something as a dream that has no real chance of happening.

It's not always cruel — sometimes it's just a reality check.

Use it when…

When a business plan sounds exciting but has no practical foundation
When someone makes a promise that clearly can't be delivered
When a goal is so ambitious it's almost impossible to take seriously

Don’t confuse with...

"Wishful Thinking"

—

Hoping for something that probably won't happen, without a specific idea or plan

"Pipe Dream"

—

An impossible personal dream — very similar but typically more personal and private

"Pie in the Sky"

—

A plan or idea that sounds great but is completely unrealistic to achieve

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Pie in the Sky" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Meetings

The investors called the projections pie in the sky — there was no data to back them up.

Relationships & Social Life

Friends

'Living off the grid by 35 is a bit pie in the sky,' his friend told him with a smile.

Media & Everyday Life

News

Critics called the government's housing promise pie in the sky without a clear funding plan.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Pie in the Sky" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Meetings

You

These revenue targets are pie in the sky if we don't increase the team first.

Boss

Fair point. Let's revisit the numbers with that in mind.

Relationships

Honest conversations

Friend

Do you think his plan will actually work?

You

Honestly? It's pie in the sky. I don't want to crush his enthusiasm, but...

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

She says she'll make a million by 30.

You

With no product and no funding? That's pie in the sky.

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Last updated:

April 20, 2026

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