General
coming down the pike
What does coming down the pike mean?
An event, product, or change that is on its way in the near future.
"There's a big compliance change coming down the pike next year."
Origin
American idiom referencing the turnpike (road); often misheard as 'pipe'.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'coming down the pike' mean?
Something on its way and expected in the near future, such as an upcoming product, event, or regulatory change.
Is it 'pike' or 'pipe'?
The original is 'pike', short for turnpike (a road), so things come down it like traffic. 'Coming down the pipe' is a very common mishearing that many people now use too.
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