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.
His initial rationale—to oust the oppressive regime, so the Iranian people could take over—was always a pipe dream.
From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026
“It was a pipe dream for so long … the notion that we would get a subway to the Westside,” Yaroslavsky said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
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
Agreeing that he too had considered his voyage a "pipe dream" back then, Tony is satisfied that the time has been well spent.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
That old image of myself as a hero, as a man of conscience and courage, all that was just a threadbare pipe dream.
From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien
