pie in the sky

noun phrase

: an unrealistic enterprise or prospect of prosperity
pie-in-the-sky
ˈpī-in-ṯẖə-ˈskī How to pronounce pie in the sky (audio)
adjective

Examples of pie in the sky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is not something that's pie in the sky. — NBC news, 12 Oct. 2025 Is this peace-pilgrimage trip to the Middle East just pie in the sky? — Courtney Walsh, FOXNews.com, 30 Nov. 2025 The answers shouldn't be pie in the sky, vague or overly complicated. — Daniel Schwartz, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Some see that price as pie in the sky and wonder if any buyers are interested in just a minority stake. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pie in the sky

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pie in the sky was in 1911

Rhymes for pie in the sky

See All Rhymes for pie in the sky

Browse Nearby Words

pieing
pie in the sky
pi electron
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pie in the sky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pie%20in%20the%20sky. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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