in the pipeline

Idioms  

1. In process, under way, as in The blueprints for the new machine are in the pipeline, but it will take months to get approval . [ Colloquial ; 1940s] Also see in the works .

2. Budgeted for something but not yet spent, as in There's $5 million more in the pipeline for the city schools . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

But given his previous warnings on the potential inflationary pressures in the pipeline, it was a bit surprising that Kashkari didn’t forecast more hikes.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

There could be more price increases in the pipeline: The Labor Department’s measure of wholesale electronic components and accessories was up 27% from a year earlier last month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

Data center electricity projections come with uncertainty, and PG&E says its confirmed large load in the pipeline — mostly data centers — is closer to 5.3 GW.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

But he noted that there is still "inflationary pressure in the pipeline".

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

Poor pressure in the pipeline means that the water will have to go to a sump and then be pumped up.

From Behind the News: Voices from Goa's Press by Various