When Pigs Fly 🐷
Definition: “When pigs fly” is a facetious way to say “never.” It dismisses the potential occurrence of an event as fundamentally impossible.
Related Expressions:
- Till Hell Freezes Over: Another exaggerated way to denote the improbability of an event.
- Once in a Blue Moon: Implies extreme rarity rather than outright impossibility.
- Cold Day in July: Similarly suggests an event will never happen.
Synonyms:
- Not in a million years
- No way, José
- Not gonna happen
- In your dreams
Antonyms:
- Definitely
- Absolutely
- Sure thing
- Without a doubt
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“I’ll get around to that. When pigs fly.” – An Anonymous Procrastinator 😜
“Flying pigs can happen – if you kick them out of an airplane.” – Just Kidding, Airlines 🛫
Proverbs & References:
- “Pigs might fly but they are very unlikely birds.” – Scottish Proverb
- “When men fly, pigs may do so too.” – Proverb from the 18th-century reflection on impossibility.
Suggest Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Books: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams – Improbabilities and impossibilities galore!
- Poetry: Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll – For the wildly imaginative imagery.
- Songs: “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha – A triumph of pursuing dreams no matter how impossible.
- Movies: Back to the Future – For a thought-provoking, if pig-less, look at impossible scenarios becoming possible.
- Television: The Simpsons Season 8, Episode 2 “You Only Move Twice” – A flying pig scenario that’s laugh-out-loud funny.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“Keep dreaming, for the most unexpected moments when pigs fly might lead you to the wings of innovation.”
Happy idiom-exploring ✈️, Imogene P. Hulls
### Which of these expressions means something will never happen?
- [x] When pigs fly
- [ ] When cows jump over the moon
- [ ] When chickens roar
- [ ] When plants dance
> **Explanation:** "When pigs fly" is the correct idiom indicating that an event will never happen. The others are imaginative but not commonly recognized idioms.
### Which phrase is a synonym of "when pigs fly"?
- [ ] Sometime sooner than later
- [x] Not in a million years
- [ ] Within a fortnight
- [ ] Always before sunset
> **Explanation:** "Not in a million years" similarly suggests extreme improbability, akin to "when pigs fly.” The others imply closer possibilities.
### True or False: 'When pigs fly' is a sincere promise
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. The phrase is sarcastic and indicates that something will never happen.
### Which of these is NOT a legitimate idiom suggesting impossibility?
- [ ] Till Hell freezes over
- [x] When dogs wear suits
- [ ] Cold day in July
- [ ] Not in a million years
> **Explanation:** "When dogs wear suits” is a humorous creation but not widely recognized. The others are genuine idioms expressing the idea of improbability.
