“Not until hell freezes over” is the ultimate declaration of patience maintained in the face of impossibility. This devilishly chilly idiom means “never” or “not in any foreseeable future.” It’s often used to emphasize that something is highly unlikely to happen.
Definitions & Meaning
🍷 Not Until Hell Freezes Over
- Literal: Waiting for Satan to ice skate.
- Figurative: Refusing to do something or expecting it will never occur.
Similar Terms:
- Till the cows come home 🐄
- When pigs fly 🐖✈️
- Not in a million years ⏳
Humor-filled Quote: “I’ll do my homework… not until hell freezes over!”
Antonyms:
- Sooner rather than later ⏱️
- Any day now! 📅
Pop Culture & Literature
- 🍿 In “The Devil’s Advocate,” it might just suggest that Keanu Reeves is in for a very long wait.
- 📚 In Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series, hell might get a chilly reception, but don’t expect it to freeze over!
- 🎵 The song “Cold Day in Hell” by Gary Moore is halfway there in name!
Engaging Literature & Films:
- Book: Inferno by Dante Alighieri – Travel through the realms where hell’s temperature might just be discussed.
- Movie: The Day After Tomorrow – A global freeze might make certain scenarios feel more possible.
Proverb:
“Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” – Alexander Pope
(Even if hell doesn’t freeze over)
🎲 Fun Quiz Corner 🎲
### Which of these phrases means the same as 'Not until hell freezes over'?
- [ ] When cows sing opera
- [ ] When elephants knit scarves
- [x] When pigs fly
- [ ] When fishes dance the tango
> **Explanation:** "When pigs fly" is an idiom that, like "Not until hell freezes over," means something that will never happen.
### What is the meaning of the phrase 'Till hell freezes over'?
- [x] A very long time or never
- [ ] Until it gets very hot
- [ ] A freeze in heaven
- [ ] No idea
> **Explanation:** The phrase means waiting for something that is extremely unlikely to happen.
### True or False: The phrase 'Not until hell freezes over' is commonly used in literature.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This phrase has found its way into many stories and anecdotes to emphasize extremely unlikely events.
Do remember, dear reader, patience and impossibility sometimes go hand in hand, yet always keep your hope warm. ❄️✨
Publishing Date: 2023, by W. T. Wittywords
