when pigs fly
when pigs fly
/wɛn pɪɡz flaɪ/
Definition
Meaning: When pigs fly is an idiomatic expression that means something that will never happen or is highly unlikely.
Signification: Cette expression signifie quelque chose qui n'arrivera jamais ou qui est très peu probable.
Note: The phrase when pigs fly is often used to emphasise skepticism about a situation. Example: "I'll believe that when pigs fly." We do not say "when pigs will fly" because the phrase is meant to convey an impossible scenario in the present or future, and using "will" implies a possibility that contradicts the intended meaning. Besides, we don't place 'will' after 'when' except in a question.
Word Analysis
French synonyms » Quand les cochons voleront » Jamais de la vie » Quand les poules auront des dents » À la Saint Glin Glin » Tous les 36 du mois » À la semaine des quatres jeudis Exemple: "Je le croirai quand les cochons voleront." English synonyms » When hell freezes over » Not in a million years » It will never happen » Pigs might fly Example: "I'll accept that offer when pigs fly."
Example Dialogue
Thabo: "Do you think they'll ever let us telecommute full-time?" Lesela: "Yeah, right! That'll happen when pigs fly." Thabo: "Exactly! But it would be nice." Lesela: "For sure. Let's keep dreaming."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase when pigs fly is believed to have originated from the absurdity of pigs flying, which signifies that something is impossible or highly unlikely to occur. This expression has been used in various cultures to convey skepticism about improbable events.
Audience
The phrase "when pigs fly" is widely recognised in informal discussions, particularly when expressing doubt or disbelief about a situation. It serves as a humorous way to indicate that one does not expect something to happen.
When to use: Use "when pigs fly" when you want to emphasise that you believe a certain event will never happen. For example: "He thinks he'll win the lottery; that'll happen when pigs fly."
Dictionary Meaning
Here's an official definition of when pigs fly by The Cambridge Dictionary
It says the expression is "said when you think that there is no chance at all of something happening." The example given is: "I'll have finished it by tomorrow." / "And pigs might fly!"
News Snippet
"Maybe one day we will reach a point where politicians will no longer put their interests above those of the people they are supposed to represent. Of course, that will be the day when pigs fly."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, when pigs fly, watch the following videos.
Video Lesson One
Video Lesson Two
WordReference
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Common Idioms and Expressions
When pigs fly: To describe something that is highly unlikely or impossible to happen.
Example: "She’ll forgive him when pigs fly."
When hell freezes over: To indicate something that will never occur, as it is entirely unrealistic.
Example: "He’ll apologize when hell freezes over."
Not in a million years: A hyperbolic way to suggest that an event is so unlikely it would never happen, even given an extraordinary amount of time.
Example: "She’d trust him again not in a million years."
When chickens have teeth: A humorous expression similar to "when pigs fly," implying that something is impossible because it would defy nature.
Example: "He’ll get up early when chickens have teeth."
Over my dead body: A strong refusal to suggest that something will never happen, often due to resistance or disapproval.
Example: "He’ll sell this house over my dead body."
Note: While when pigs fly is widely recognised in English, similar idioms like "when hell freezes over" or "when chickens have teeth" are used in different regions or contexts to convey a comparable meaning.
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When pigs fly
/hwen pɪgz flaɪ/
Definition
The meaning: "When pigs fly" is an idiom used to express that something is extremely unlikely or will never happen. It implies that the event is as improbable as pigs actually flying.
La signification: L'expression "quand les cochons voleront" signifie que quelque chose est extrêmement improbable ou n'arrivera jamais. Cela implique que l'événement est aussi improbable que les cochons puissent voler.
Note: This idiom is often used humorously to dismiss an idea as unrealistic or impossible.
Word Analysis
- In French
-
- Quand les poules auront des dents
- Jamais de la vie
- Quand les vaches voleront
- Dans cent ans
- Synonyms
-
- It'll be a cold day hell
- Don't hold your breath
- Not in a million years
- When salt blossoms
- On the first of never
- Fat chance
Example: "He promised to clean his room, but I'll believe it when pigs fly."
Example Dialogue
Lintletse: "Do you think he will ever clean his room without being told?"
Mosiuoa: "Ha! When pigs fly!"
Lintletse: "That's what I think, too."
Mosioua: "We have to find a way to make more responsible."
Etymology
Origin: The idiom "when pigs fly" is a humorous expression used to indicate that something is impossible or will never happen. It derives from the absurd and whimsical image of pigs, which are terrestrial animals, flying.
The phrase has roots in folklore and early literature, with variations appearing in different cultures as far back as the 1600s. Similar expressions exist in other languages, such as the French "quand les poules auront des dents" (when hens have teeth). Over time, "when pigs fly" became a staple in English idiomatic speech, often used to mock unrealistic hopes or ideas.
Audience
The idiom "moth to a flame" is widely recognised and used in various contexts, from literature and poetry to everyday conversations. It appeals to audiences who appreciate vivid imagery and metaphorical language.
When to use: Ideal for describing scenarios where someone is irresistibly drawn to something, often despite evident risks or dangers. This phrase is particularly popular in romantic contexts, storytelling, and philosophical discussions about human behavior.
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says the idiom is about "a point in time that will never come to pass." It further says that the idiom is "used to show skepticism or cynicism over some hypothetical situation or outcome. Here's an example dialogue from that page:
'A: "If we could just get Democrats and Republicans to agree on a tax reform bill, we could bring the deficit down in no time."'
'B: "Sure, when pigs can fly!"
Read the full entry
News Snippet
"Gulam Bodi Tweeted: "Hahaha, joke of the day! Trott to home frm the ashes due to stress illness! Bloody man up n take the heat! Stop running for cover." (sic)
He soon deleted his Tweet, offered an apology and wished Trott a speedy recovery. Vitriol followed Bodi like a moth to a flame, but his Tweet should be taken in context.
In a culture where macho manliness is still very prevalent, it’s a timely reminder that there is still a very long way to go in breaking the stigma of any sort of mental illness. Although it should be made clear that Trott’s issue was "stress-related" and not necessarily depression, they are both issues of the mind, which are misunderstood. Stress can be brutal and so can any other form of mental illness.
[The Daily Maverick]
Read the Full Article
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, the idiomatic phrase moth to a flame, watch @FluentExpr's video by clicking on the button below.
Watch the Video, then read the poem below
MOTH
Dad’s typewriter stands
against a wall,
in this room in whose light
he battled flames, his fingers
finding the keys of the typewriter.
Mum says like him we must suffer
a burning, she says there’s no way out.
She says this room is mine now
for me to think moth thoughts.
She says someday I’ll find the key
to peace, and then, like him,
I will not be able to fly anymore.
from Qoaling, Onslaught Press, 2018
WordReference
When exploring the nuances of words, sometimes dictionaries don't provide enough context. The WordReference Forums offer insightful discussions that delve into the subtleties of language, including idiomatic expressions, usage nuances, and translations across languages.
Here are some links to help you better navigate WordReference:
Forum discussion on today's word of the day.
English⇄English Forum–Discuss and learn about word usage.
English⇄French Forum–Explore translations and language nuances.
Synonyms⇄Antonyms Forum–Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms and Expressions
Moth to a flame: Describes someone who is irresistibly drawn to something, often with harmful consequences.
Like a moth to the flame: Similar to "moth to a flame", it's the idea of being drawn to sth dangerous.
Be drawn like a moth to the flame: Be eagerly drawn or attracted to something.
Burn like a moth: Be consumed by one's own passion or obsession, especially when it leads to self-destruction.
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