pie in the sky

noun phrase

: an unrealistic enterprise or prospect of prosperity

pie-in-the-sky

ˈpī-in-ṯẖə-ˈskī 

adjective

Examples of pie in the sky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But, there’s always a but, getting Giannis Antetokounmpo, unfortunately late in his productive career, would be just pie in the sky generating a tad bit of interest from fans, assuming of course the guy can still line up and give us minutes. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026

The answers shouldn't be pie in the sky, vague or overly complicated. — Daniel Schwartz, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Is this peace-pilgrimage trip to the Middle East just pie in the sky? — Courtney Walsh, FOXNews.com, 30 Nov. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pie in the sky

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• exemplify
• fasciculi
• identify