Pie-in-the-sky

An expression that refers to an unrealistic or fanciful idea or plan that is unlikely to be realized. It often denotes optimism that lacks a practical foundation, suggesting that the plan, though appealing, is ultimately impractical or unattainable.

Pie-in-the-sky meaning with examples

• The proposal for a free college education for all sounds great, but without a sustainable funding plan, it’s just a pie-in-the-sky idea that will never come to fruition.
• Many of the startup's early promises about becoming the next big tech giant were seen as pie-in-the-sky notions, given their lack of a solid business model.
• While dreams of world peace are commendable, they often get dismissed as pie-in-the-sky thinking, especially when conflicts remain unresolved in many regions.
• The politician’s vision of eradicating poverty within the next year struck many as a pie-in-the-sky promise, lacking the necessary legislation or resources to make it happen.