jam tomorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

"jam tomorrow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in a figurative sense and originates from the book "Through the Looking-Glass" by Lewis Carroll. It can be used to refer to a promise of something good in the future, but with the implication that it may not actually happen. For example: "Politicians often make empty promises of jam tomorrow, but fail to deliver on their words." or "Don't be fooled by his promises of jam tomorrow, he has a history of not following through on his words." This phrase can also be used to express the idea of postponing something or delaying gratification. For example: "I know you want to buy that new car, but maybe you should save up for it instead of living for jam tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Jam tomorrow is fine.

The Times

More pain now, jam tomorrow.

Independent

JAM tomorrow, but never jam today.

The Economist

A metaphor for no jam tomorrow, perhaps?

The Times

The choice is: jam tomorrow or jam in 2022.

The Guardian

Jam tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow Vale of tears Reprints.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

She said: "Investors are unlikely to give this 'jam tomorrow' story the benefit of the doubt".

The Guardian - Business

"Once again, when it comes to Europe, it is always 'jam tomorrow'.

BBC

buying time with 'jam tomorrow' statements while making facts on the ground.

BBC

This is the kind of 'jam tomorrow' line we have heard from Scotland director of rugby Scott Johnson.

BBC

Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesman Jonathan Edwards said: "This was a 'jam tomorrow' Budget from a chancellor who is busy sharpening the axe ready for the next Parliament".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jam tomorrow" when you want to express skepticism about promises of future benefits, particularly in political or economic contexts. It subtly suggests that these promises may never materialize.

Common error

Avoid using "jam tomorrow" in contexts where you genuinely want to convey optimism about the future. The phrase carries an inherent implication of doubt or unfulfilled promises.

Linguistic Context

"Jam tomorrow" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a figure of speech to express skepticism or doubt regarding future promises, particularly those made by political or economic entities. Ludwig AI confirms its established usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jam tomorrow" is a well-established idiom used to express skepticism about future promises, especially in politics and economics. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests that promised benefits are unlikely to materialize or are merely a distraction from present problems. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral-to-informal tone, making it widely accessible yet subtly critical. When writing, use "jam tomorrow" to add a layer of irony or skepticism to your commentary on unfulfilled or dubious promises, but be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation. Remember that although the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, it may not suit all contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pie in the sky

Emphasizes the unrealistic or overly optimistic nature of the promise, similar to the skeptical undertone of "jam tomorrow".

castles in the air

Implies that the promise is based on dreams or fantasy rather than reality, echoing the uncertainty of "jam tomorrow".

future rewards

This alternative focuses on the aspect of future benefits, without necessarily implying skepticism about their arrival.

deferred gratification

Highlights the postponement of satisfaction, aligning with the 'tomorrow' aspect of the original phrase.

a promise of future benefits

A more straightforward way of expressing the idea of future gains, without the implied doubt.

visions of a brighter future

This phrase paints a picture of an improved state in the future, akin to the 'tomorrow' element of the original phrase.

the carrot and stick approach

Refers to motivating someone with the promise of reward (carrot) in the future, subtly linking to the delayed gratification concept.

long-term gains

Focuses solely on the aspect of benefits accruing over time, lacking the implied skepticism.

saving for a rainy day

Highlights the act of setting aside resources for future needs, connecting to the idea of delayed enjoyment.

down the road

Indicates that something will happen at a later time.

FAQs

What does the idiom "jam tomorrow" mean?

The idiom "jam tomorrow" refers to a promise of future rewards or benefits that are unlikely to materialize or are constantly postponed. It often implies skepticism about such promises.

How can I use "jam tomorrow" in a sentence?

You might say, "The government's economic plan sounds like "pie in the sky", promising "jam tomorrow" but offering little relief today." or "The company's restructuring plan only offered the employees "future rewards", which felt like a lot of "jam tomorrow" and very little action."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "jam tomorrow"?

Alternatives include "pie in the sky", "castles in the air", or simply "unrealistic promises" depending on the context.

Is "jam tomorrow" a formal or informal expression?

"Jam tomorrow" is generally considered an informal expression, though it can be used in neutral contexts like news reporting where the intent is to convey a critical perspective on promises made by others.