Origins: "Pie in the sky"

The phrase "pie in the sky" is an idiom used to describe something that is overly optimistic, impractical, or unlikely to happen. It implies that the promised reward or benefit is so distant or unreal that it might as well be a pie floating in the sky, impossible to attain. The phrase is often used in a cynical or mocking context.

The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it is associated with the labour movement in the United States. It gained popularity in the context of labour unions and workers' rights.

The phrase is closely linked to a song called "The Preacher and the Slave," written by labour organizer and songwriter Joe Hill in 1911. Joe Hill was a prominent figure in the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical labour union. The song was written as a parody of the hymn "In the Sweet By and By," which included the line "In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore."

In "The Preacher and the Slave," Joe Hill changed the lyrics to:

"You will eat, bye and bye, In that glorious land above the sky; Work and pray, live on hay, You'll get pie in the sky when you die."

The song critiqued the idea that workers should endure difficult and exploitative conditions in the hope of receiving rewards in the afterlife, rather than seeking better conditions and wages in the present. It used the phrase "pie in the sky" to mock the unrealistic promises made by those in authority.

Over time, the phrase "pie in the sky" detached itself from the specific song and became a standalone idiom used to criticize any lofty or unattainable promises, whether related to religion, politics, or other aspects of life. Today, it is still used to express skepticism or cynicism about unrealistic or empty assurances.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model