when pigs fly
Never; something that will never happen
Littéralement: At the time when swine move through the air using wings.
Use this phrase to sarcastically express that an event has zero chance of ever happening.
En 15 secondes
- A sarcastic way to say something is absolutely impossible.
- Used as a funny response to unlikely predictions or promises.
- Best for casual conversations with friends and family.
Signification
This is a funny way to say that something is impossible. You use it when you are 100% sure that an event will never happen.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Chatting about a messy roommate
He'll finally wash those dishes `when pigs fly`!
He will never wash those dishes.
Talking about a sports rivalry
A: 'Do you think they'll win the trophy this year?' B: 'Sure, `when pigs fly`!'
No, they have no chance of winning.
Discussing a difficult task with a coworker you know well
The client will approve this budget without changes `when pigs fly`.
The client will definitely ask for changes.
Contexte culturel
The phrase dates back to at least the 17th century in British English. It relies on the 'adynaton' figure of speech, which uses an impossibility to emphasize a point. While many cultures have similar phrases (like 'when the crayfish whistles' in Russian), the flying pig is a uniquely iconic image in the Anglosphere.
Pair it with a laugh
Since this is a sarcastic phrase, your tone of voice matters. Say it with a smile so people know you are being playful, not mean.
Don't use it with your boss
If your boss asks if you can finish a report, saying `when pigs fly` sounds like you are refusing to work. Keep it for social circles!
En 15 secondes
- A sarcastic way to say something is absolutely impossible.
- Used as a funny response to unlikely predictions or promises.
- Best for casual conversations with friends and family.
What It Means
Imagine a heavy, pink pig suddenly sprouting wings and soaring through the clouds. It sounds ridiculous, right? That is exactly the point. When you say when pigs fly, you are saying a situation is just as impossible as a flying farm animal. It is a colorful way to say "never" without being boring. You are using a vivid image to show total disbelief.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase as a short response to a suggestion. If someone asks you if you will ever do something you hate, you can just say, "Yeah, when pigs fly!" You can also use it in a full sentence with the word will. For example, "He will clean his room when pigs fly." It acts like a time marker for an event that will never arrive on the calendar.
When To Use It
Use this when a friend makes a prediction that sounds crazy. It is perfect for lighthearted arguments about sports or habits. If your friend says they will start waking up at 5:00 AM, this is your go-to line. It works great at a restaurant when discussing unlikely news. It is also common in texting when someone makes a promise you know they won't keep. It adds a bit of flavor and personality to your English.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very serious or tragic situations. If a boss asks for a deadline, saying when pigs fly might get you fired! It is too sarcastic for professional reports or formal emails to strangers. Also, do not use it if there is a tiny chance the thing might actually happen. This phrase is for 0% probability only. Using it for something possible makes you sound like you don't understand the scale of the joke.
Cultural Background
This expression has been around since the 1600s. Humans have always used "impossible" animals to describe unlikely events. In the past, people sometimes said "pigs might fly, but they are very unlikely birds." It mocks the idea of something clumsy becoming graceful. It is a staple of English sarcasm. It shows the dry, cynical sense of humor often found in the UK and North America.
Common Variations
You might hear people say "And pigs might fly!" as a sarcastic comeback. In the Southern United States, some might say "When hell freezes over." They mean the exact same thing. Another similar version is "In your dreams!" However, when pigs fly remains the most classic and visual version. It is a favorite for cartoonists and t-shirt designers because the image is so funny.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-frequency idiom in casual spoken English. It is almost always used sarcastically. Avoid using it in written academic work or formal emails to superiors.
Pair it with a laugh
Since this is a sarcastic phrase, your tone of voice matters. Say it with a smile so people know you are being playful, not mean.
Don't use it with your boss
If your boss asks if you can finish a report, saying `when pigs fly` sounds like you are refusing to work. Keep it for social circles!
The 'Flying Pig' Icon
In the US and UK, you'll often see statues or drawings of pigs with wings in shops. Now you know they represent the 'impossible'!
Exemples
6He'll finally wash those dishes `when pigs fly`!
He will never wash those dishes.
Used to emphasize a habit that is unlikely to change.
A: 'Do you think they'll win the trophy this year?' B: 'Sure, `when pigs fly`!'
No, they have no chance of winning.
A classic sarcastic comeback in a friendly debate.
The client will approve this budget without changes `when pigs fly`.
The client will definitely ask for changes.
Appropriate for 'office venting' with trusted colleagues.
I'll lend you my new car `when pigs fly`, bro!
I am never lending you my car.
Short, punchy, and clearly shows a 'no' answer.
You can have candy for breakfast `when pigs fly`.
You are not having candy for breakfast.
A playful way for parents to say 'no'.
They'll lower taxes `when pigs fly`.
They will never lower taxes.
Shows a cynical or emotional distrust.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response to show you don't believe your friend will run a marathon.
Friend: 'I'm going to run 26 miles tomorrow!' You: 'Yeah, right! ___.'
Pigs flying is the standard idiom for impossibility; birds singing and dogs barking are normal events.
Complete the sentence to express total doubt.
I'll believe that guy is telling the truth ___.
The phrase almost always starts with 'when' to act as a hypothetical time reference.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of 'When Pigs Fly'
Perfect for jokes with friends.
Yeah, when pigs fly!
Okay with coworkers you know.
That'll happen when pigs fly.
Too sarcastic for serious business.
N/A
Where to use 'When Pigs Fly'
Sports Debates
Their team winning? When pigs fly!
Sibling Rivalry
Giving you my dessert? When pigs fly!
Unlikely Promises
He'll be on time when pigs fly.
Cynical Politics
Peace will happen when pigs fly.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means that something will never happen. It uses the impossible image of a flying pig to mock an unlikely idea.
It can be slightly rude if used with a stranger. It is best used as a joke among friends who understand your humor.
Generally, no. It is too informal and sarcastic for a professional setting unless you are very close with your team.
It comes from an old proverb. People used to say 'pigs fly with their tails forward' to mock people who told lies or exaggerations.
Yes, you might hear and pigs might fly or pigs will fly. They all mean the same thing.
The most common version uses when. Using if is grammatically fine, but it doesn't sound as natural to native speakers.
No, that would be confusing. Only use it for things you are certain are impossible, like I'll move to Mars when pigs fly.
Yes, it is very common in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Everyone will understand what you mean.
You could say That is highly improbable or I find that hard to believe. These are much safer for formal writing.
No, native speakers know the idiom well. If you explain it, the joke loses its punch!
Expressions liées
When hell freezes over
Another way to say something will never happen.
In your dreams
Used to tell someone their idea is a fantasy.
Fat chance
A sarcastic way to say there is almost no chance.
Don't hold your breath
Telling someone not to wait for something because it won't happen soon.
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement