What does "in the pipeline" mean?
What it means: Being developed, planned, or prepared - on its way but not yet ready or available."We have three new products in the pipeline.""There are several changes in the pipeline for Q3.""It's in the pipeline - should be ready by March."What it implies: The thing exists and is progressing, ...
What it means
Being developed, planned, or prepared - on its way but not yet ready or available.
"We have three new products in the pipeline."
"There are several changes in the pipeline for Q3."
"It's in the pipeline - should be ready by March."
What it implies
The thing exists and is progressing, but isn't finished or public yet. It signals forward momentum without committing to a specific date.
Where it comes from
Literally a pipeline carrying oil or gas - whatever is in the pipeline is already moving towards its destination, even if not yet arrived.
In sales
"Pipeline" has a specific meaning - the set of potential deals at various stages of the sales process:
"What's in your pipeline this quarter?" (what deals are you working on?)
"We have Β£2m in pipeline." (potential revenue being pursued)
A native would say
- "In development" - formal, often for software or products
- "On the way" - casual
- "Coming soon" - consumer-facing
- "Planned" - neutral: "We have planned improvements."
- "On the horizon" - more distant future
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Professional and business language. Common in strategy, product, and sales conversations.
What does "in the pipeline" mean?
Being developed, planned, or prepared - on its way but not yet ready or available.
"We have three new products in the pipeline."
"There are several changes in the pipeline for Q3."
"It's in the pipeline - should be ready by March."
Is "in the pipeline" formal or informal?
Professional and business language. Common in strategy, product, and sales conversations.
What's another way to say "in the pipeline"?
- "In development" - formal, often for software or products
- "On the way" - casual
- "Coming soon" - consumer-facing
- "Planned" - neutral: "We have planned improvements."
- "On the horizon" - more distant future
Why do native speakers say "in the pipeline"?
Literally a pipeline carrying oil or gas - whatever is in the pipeline is already moving towards its destination, even if not yet arrived.
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