pie-in-the-sky: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pie-in-the-sky’ mean?
The idiom "pie-in-the-sky" refers to something that is unrealistic or unlikely to happen. It describes a situation or idea that may seem appealing or enticing, but is not practical or achievable in reality.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
The idiom "rainbows and unicorns" is used to describe a situation or perspective that is overly optimistic, idealistic, or lacking in realism.
The idiom "pull a rabbit out of a hat" means to do something unexpected or impossible, often used to describe performing a remarkable feat or finding a surprising solution to a problem.
The idiom "pie in the sky" means something that is unrealistic or unlikely to happen. It refers to a promise or idea that sounds good but is not practical or achievable.
The idiom "piece of work" refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or understand, often due to their complex or challenging behavior or personality.
The idiom "piece of the pie" means to have a share or portion of something, typically related to money or opportunities. It implies being included or involved in a particular situation or endeavor.
The idiom "piece of the action" means being involved in a share or part of an exciting or profitable activity or venture.
The idiom "piece of someone" means to have a deep understanding or knowledge of someone's character or personality.
The idiom "piece of shit" is an offensive expression used informally to describe something or someone as being of very poor quality or value.
The idiomatic phrase *piece of crap* is used to describe something or someone that is of extremely poor quality or value. It implies complete worthlessness or disappointment.
Delusional Aspirations
The idiom "pie-in-the-sky" is a commonly-used expression in English. It means something that is unrealistically optimistic or overly idealistic. The phrase originated in the early 20th century and has since become popular to convey a sense of unattainability or impracticality.
The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to come from the idea of the sky or heavens as a place of perfect happiness or ideal conditions. "Pie" is used metaphorically to represent something desirable or pleasurable. Combining these elements creates the image of a pie that is so delicious and tempting it appears to be floating in the sky, out of reach.
One possible source of the expression is the song "The Preacher and the Slave," written by labor activist Joe Hill in 1911. The song includes the line "You'll get pie in the sky when you die," which is often interpreted as a criticism of religious promises of reward in the afterlife instead of addressing immediate earthly concerns. This usage may have contributed to the idiom's connotation of unrealistic expectations or promises.
Over time, "pie-in-the-sky" has become firmly established in English, appearing in various contexts ranging from everyday conversation to literary works and media. It is often used to criticize or express skepticism towards overly optimistic or impractical ideas, plans, or promises. The idiom serves as a caution against placing too much faith in unrealistic or unattainable goals.
Like many idioms, "pie-in-the-sky" conveys a specific concept beyond its literal meaning. It symbolizes a desire or dream that is unattainable or unlikely to be realized. The idiom reminds us of the importance of being realistic and practical in our expectations and goals.
While the idiom has a firmly established meaning, its usage and interpretation may vary in different contexts and cultures. It remains a powerful and evocative way to convey the concept of unrealistic optimism or idealism. It invites us to consider the limitations of our aspirations and the importance of grounding our dreams in reality.
Example usage
Example 1:
The politician made a lot of promises during his campaign, but most people now see them as mere pie-in-the-sky dreams.
Example 2:
My friend always talks about starting his own business and becoming a millionaire, but it's just pie-in-the-sky thinking without a solid plan.
Example 3:
Although the idea of world peace is admirable, many consider it to be nothing more than a pie-in-the-sky concept that is unlikely to be achieved.
More "Hope" idioms
