pipe dream

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The oil-futures market thinks oil will fall from $98 a barrel today to $80 by September and $75 by Christmas — but that may be a pipe dream.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Even if this proves to be the exception, a near-term reversion to prewar oil prices sounds like a pipe dream.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

When Koy was moving up the comedy ranks under his real name Joseph Glenn Herbert, the thought of calling himself a comedian felt like a pipe dream.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Yes, you could argue that the inconsistency is on the field, but it is a pipe dream to expect overall consistency when every situation is slightly different.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Every heads-up penny found and daydream and night dream and even when people say it's a pipe dream .

From "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson