The idiomatic expression "in the pipeline" refers to something that is being developed, planned, or is in progress, and is expected to be completed or available in the future. It suggests that the item or project is not yet ready but is actively moving towards completion. The phrase emphasizes that progress is being made, even if the final result is not immediately visible.
The origin of the phrase likely comes from the literal image of a pipeline, where materials are transported from one location to another. In this context, it represents the flow of projects or ideas through a process.
The register of "in the pipeline" is neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
"In the pipeline" is typically used as a predicate adjective, meaning it follows a linking verb like "is," "are," "was," or "were." It can be modified with adverbs like "already," "still," or "more." It can also be used in questions.
It sounds unnatural to use "in the pipeline" in a literal sense unless you are specifically referring to something physically inside a pipeline. Avoid over-literal interpretations or applying it to situations that don't involve future plans or developments. For example, saying "My cat is in the pipeline" would be nonsensical unless referring to a literal pipe.
These examples are sourced from in the pipeline on Ludwig.guru.
"What's in the pipeline?" — The New York Times
"More are in the pipeline." — The Economist
"Other promising conductors are in the pipeline." — The New York Times - Arts
"More deals are in the pipeline." — The Economist
"Tax cuts are in the pipeline." — The New York Times
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/in+the+pipeline
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| in the works | Suggests active development, often used for projects or plans. |
| on the horizon | Indicates something is likely to happen in the near future. |
| under development | More formal, emphasizes the process of creation or improvement. |
| coming soon | Simple and direct, used to announce upcoming events or products. |
| in the offing | Somewhat formal, suggests something is likely to occur. |
| in progress | Focuses on the ongoing nature of the activity. |
| being developed | Passive voice, emphasizes the action of development. |
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| in the pipeline | Being planned, developed, or prepared for future completion or availability. | Neutral | Literal contexts unrelated to future plans or developments. |
Almost always, "in the pipeline" is used figuratively. While it could be used literally to describe something physically within a pipeline, this is rare. The vast majority of the time, it refers to projects, ideas, or plans that are in progress but not yet completed.
Both "in the pipeline" and "in the works" mean that something is being developed, but "in the works" often implies a more active stage of development. "In the pipeline" suggests the early stages of planning and development, while "in the works" suggests the project is actively being created or implemented.
To avoid misusing "in the pipeline," remember that it refers to something expected to happen or become available in the future. Don't use it to describe events that have already occurred or situations that are unrelated to planning and development. Always consider if a more direct and specific term would be more appropriate for the context.
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