Idioms for ‘Never Going to Happen’: A Comprehensive Guide
Idioms add color and depth to the English language, allowing speakers to express complex ideas in a concise and often humorous way. When you want to express that something is absolutely impossible or has no chance of occurring, several vivid idioms can convey this sentiment effectively. Understanding these idioms not only enhances your comprehension of spoken and written English but also enriches your ability to communicate with nuance and flair. This article is designed for English language learners of all levels who wish to expand their idiomatic vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of how to use these expressions correctly and confidently.
This comprehensive guide will explore various idioms that express impossibility, providing definitions, examples, and usage notes to help you master these colorful expressions. Whether you’re preparing for an English proficiency exam, aiming to improve your conversational skills, or simply curious about the intricacies of the English language, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to use these idioms effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Idioms for ‘Never Going to Happen’
- Structural Breakdown of Idioms
- Types and Categories of Impossibility Idioms
- Examples of Idioms for ‘Never Going to Happen’
- Usage Rules for Impossibility Idioms
- Common Mistakes with Impossibility Idioms
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Variations
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Idioms for ‘Never Going to Happen’
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it. It’s a figurative way of speaking where the overall meaning differs from the literal meaning of the individual words. Idioms for ‘never going to happen’ are a subset of idioms that specifically express the idea that something is impossible, highly improbable, or will simply not occur. These phrases often rely on hyperbole or absurd imagery to emphasize the unlikelihood of an event.
These idioms function as adverbs or adverbial phrases, modifying the verb to indicate the certainty (or rather, the *lack* of certainty) of an action or event. They add emphasis and color to communication, making it more engaging and memorable. They are frequently used in informal contexts, adding a touch of humor or sarcasm to the conversation. However, some idioms are more formal and can be used in a wider range of situations.
The context in which these idioms are used is crucial. The tone can shift from lighthearted disbelief to serious negation depending on the situation and the speaker’s intention. Understanding the cultural and historical background of these idioms can further enhance your appreciation for their nuances and appropriate usage.
Structural Breakdown of Idioms
Idioms, by their very nature, defy strict grammatical analysis because their meaning is not derived from the sum of their parts. However, understanding the structural components can provide insights into how idioms function within a sentence.
Most idioms for ‘never going to happen’ are phrases, meaning they consist of two or more words that work together as a single unit. These phrases can function as adverbs, modifying verbs or entire clauses. For example, in the sentence “He’ll agree to that, when pigs fly,” the idiom “when pigs fly” modifies the verb “agree” and indicates that his agreement is impossible.
Some idioms contain nouns, verbs, prepositions, and adjectives, but their grammatical roles are subordinate to the overall idiomatic meaning. The structure of the idiom is fixed; you cannot arbitrarily change the words or their order without destroying the idiom’s meaning. For instance, “a snowball’s chance in hell” cannot be changed to “a snowball’s opportunity in heaven” without losing its idiomatic sense.
The tense of the verb within an idiom might sometimes be adjusted to fit the context of the sentence, but this is usually limited. For example, you might say “If I thought that would happen, pigs would have flown already,” using the past perfect tense to reflect a hypothetical past situation.
Types and Categories of Impossibility Idioms
Idioms expressing impossibility can be categorized based on the imagery they invoke and the degree of emphasis they convey. Here are a few categories:
- Absurd Imagery: These idioms rely on humorous or bizarre scenarios to illustrate impossibility. Examples include “when pigs fly” and “when hell freezes over.”
- Extreme Improbability: These idioms emphasize the extremely low likelihood of an event. Examples include “a snowball’s chance in hell” and “not in a million years.”
- Direct Negation: These idioms directly state that something is unlikely or impossible, often with a sarcastic tone. An example is “fat chance.”
- Figurative Impossibility: These idioms use metaphors to represent the impossibility of an event.
Understanding these categories can help you choose the most appropriate idiom for a given situation and appreciate the nuances of each expression.
Examples of Idioms for ‘Never Going to Happen’
Let’s explore some common idioms that express the idea of something never happening, along with examples of how they are used in context.
When Pigs Fly
This idiom suggests that something will never happen. The image of pigs flying is inherently absurd, emphasizing the impossibility of the event in question.
The table below contains examples of the idiom “When Pigs Fly” used in sentences:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He’ll clean his room when pigs fly.” | Implies he will never clean his room. |
| “She’ll admit she’s wrong, when pigs fly.” | Suggests she is too stubborn to ever admit fault. |
| “They’ll finish the project on time, when pigs fly!” | Indicates the project is severely behind schedule and unlikely to be completed on time. |
| “My brother will start eating vegetables when pigs fly.” | Suggests the brother has a strong aversion to vegetables and will never eat them. |
| “Our boss will give us a raise when pigs fly.” | Implies the boss is unlikely to give raises. |
| “The government will reduce taxes when pigs fly.” | Suggests the speaker believes tax reduction is highly improbable. |
| “He’ll learn to play the guitar when pigs fly.” | Implies he lacks the motivation or talent to learn guitar. |
| “She’ll stop shopping when pigs fly.” | Suggests the person loves shopping and will never stop. |
| “They’ll agree on a solution when pigs fly.” | Indicates that the people involved are too different to find common ground. |
| “He’ll apologize when pigs fly.” | Implies he is too proud to apologize. |
| “She’ll arrive on time when pigs fly.” | Suggests she is always late. |
| “The two companies will merge when pigs fly.” | Indicates a merger is highly unlikely due to conflicts or other issues. |
| “He’ll start exercising when pigs fly.” | Implies he is very lazy and will never exercise. |
| “She’ll cook dinner when pigs fly.” | Implies she dislikes cooking and will never do it. |
| “They’ll understand each other when pigs fly.” | Indicates a fundamental lack of understanding between the parties. |
| “He’ll tell the truth when pigs fly.” | Implies he is a habitual liar. |
| “She’ll give up her phone when pigs fly.” | Suggests she is addicted to her phone and will never give it up. |
| “They’ll admit their mistake when pigs fly.” | Implies they are too stubborn to admit they are wrong. |
| “He’ll be on time when pigs fly.” | Suggests the person is chronically late. |
| “She’ll stop gossiping when pigs fly.” | Implies she is a habitual gossiper and will never stop. |
| “The traffic will be light when pigs fly.” | Indicates that traffic is always heavy and will never be light. |
| “He will win the lottery when pigs fly.” | Suggests he has no luck and will never win. |
| “She will be happy with anything when pigs fly.” | Implies she is never satisfied and will always complain. |
| “They will agree on politics when pigs fly.” | Indicates they have opposing political views and will never agree. |
A Snowball’s Chance in Hell
This idiom means that something has virtually no chance of happening. The image of a snowball surviving in hell is a powerful metaphor for impossibility.
The table below contains examples of the idiom “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” used in sentences:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the election.” | Indicates he has almost no chance of winning. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of getting that job.” | Suggests her prospects for getting the job are extremely poor. |
| “They have a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding in that market.” | Implies the market is too competitive or hostile for them to succeed. |
| “The project has a snowball’s chance in hell of being completed on time.” | Indicates the project is severely delayed and unlikely to be finished on time. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of convincing her.” | Suggests she is very stubborn and will not be easily persuaded. |
| “The company has a snowball’s chance in hell of avoiding bankruptcy.” | Implies the company is in deep financial trouble and likely to fail. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of passing the exam without studying.” | Indicates she needs to study to pass the exam. |
| “They have a snowball’s chance in hell of finding a parking spot downtown.” | Suggests parking is extremely difficult to find downtown. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of getting a ticket to the concert.” | Implies the concert is sold out and tickets are scarce. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of changing his mind.” | Suggests he is very set in his ways and will not change his opinion. |
| “The team has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the championship.” | Indicates the team is not very good and unlikely to win. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of being promoted.” | Implies he is not well-regarded by his superiors. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of finding a good apartment in that neighborhood.” | Suggests the neighborhood is expensive and apartments are hard to find. |
| “They have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting their proposal approved.” | Indicates the proposal is unlikely to be accepted. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of getting a loan.” | Suggests his credit is poor and he is unlikely to be approved for a loan. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of finding a solution to that problem.” | Implies the problem is very difficult and unlikely to be solved. |
| “They have a snowball’s chance in hell of reaching their sales target.” | Indicates their sales target is unrealistic and unlikely to be met. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of convincing the jury.” | Suggests the evidence is against him and he is unlikely to win the case. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of getting a reservation at that restaurant.” | Implies the restaurant is very popular and reservations are hard to get. |
| “They have a snowball’s chance in hell of surviving that storm.” | Indicates the storm is very severe and their chances of survival are low. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of repairing that car.” | Suggests the car is severely damaged and beyond repair. |
| “She has a snowball’s chance in hell of finding her lost keys.” | Implies the keys are lost in a large or cluttered area. |
| “They have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the argument.” | Indicates they are likely to lose the argument. |
| “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding without hard work.” | Suggests success requires effort and is unlikely to be achieved without it. |
Not in a Million Years
This idiom expresses strong disbelief or denial, emphasizing that something is extremely unlikely to happen, ever.
The table below contains examples of the idiom “Not in a Million Years” used in sentences:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Would I ever go skydiving? Not in a million years!” | Expresses a strong aversion to skydiving. |
| “Will he apologize? Not in a million years.” | Implies he is too proud to apologize. |
| “Do you think she’ll agree to that? Not in a million years.” | Suggests she is very unlikely to agree. |
| “Will they ever finish that project? Not in a million years.” | Indicates the project is severely delayed and unlikely to be completed. |
| “Would I ever live in that city? Not in a million years!” | Expresses a strong dislike for the city. |
| “Will he ever admit he was wrong? Not in a million years.” | Implies he is stubborn and will never admit fault. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever forgive him? Not in a million years.” | Suggests she is very angry and unlikely to forgive him. |
| “Will they ever get along? Not in a million years.” | Indicates a fundamental conflict between them. |
| “Would I ever eat that? Not in a million years!” | Expresses a strong dislike for the food. |
| “Will he ever get a promotion? Not in a million years.” | Implies he is not valued by his company. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever change her mind? Not in a million years.” | Suggests she is very stubborn and will not change her opinion. |
| “Will they ever understand each other? Not in a million years.” | Indicates a lack of communication and understanding between them. |
| “Would I ever go back there? Not in a million years!” | Expresses a strong desire to never return. |
| “Will he ever tell the truth? Not in a million years.” | Implies he is dishonest and unlikely to tell the truth. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever give up her phone? Not in a million years.” | Suggests she is addicted to her phone and will never give it up. |
| “Will they ever admit their mistake? Not in a million years.” | Implies they are too proud to admit they are wrong. |
| “Would I ever do that again? Not in a million years!” | Expresses regret and a strong desire to never repeat the action. |
| “Will he ever be on time? Not in a million years.” | Suggests he is chronically late. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever stop gossiping? Not in a million years.” | Implies she is a habitual gossiper and will never stop. |
| “Will the traffic ever be light? Not in a million years.” | Indicates that traffic is always heavy. |
| “Would I ever vote for him? Not in a million years!” | Expresses a strong political disagreement. |
| “Will he ever win the lottery? Not in a million years.” | Suggests he has no luck and will never win. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever be happy with anything? Not in a million years.” | Implies she is never satisfied. |
| “Will they ever agree on politics? Not in a million years.” | Indicates they have opposing political views. |
When Hell Freezes Over
Similar to “when pigs fly,” this idiom uses an impossible scenario to indicate that something will never happen. Hell is traditionally conceived as a place of fire, so it freezing is an absurd and impossible event.
The table below contains examples of the idiom “When Hell Freezes Over” used in sentences:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He’ll pay me back the money when hell freezes over.” | Implies he will never repay the debt. |
| “She’ll apologize for what she said when hell freezes over.” | Suggests she is too proud to apologize. |
| “They’ll agree on a compromise when hell freezes over.” | Indicates a deep-seated disagreement that cannot be resolved. |
| “Our boss will give us a day off when hell freezes over.” | Implies the boss is very strict and never gives days off. |
| “He’ll start exercising when hell freezes over.” | Suggests he is very lazy and will never exercise. |
| “She’ll cook dinner when hell freezes over.” | Implies she dislikes cooking and will never do it. |
| “They’ll admit they were wrong when hell freezes over.” | Indicates they are too stubborn to admit their mistakes. |
| “He’ll clean his room when hell freezes over.” | Implies he is very messy and will never clean his room. |
| “She’ll stop shopping when hell freezes over.” | Suggests she is addicted to shopping and will never stop. |
| “They’ll finish the project on time when hell freezes over.” | Indicates the project is severely delayed and unlikely to be completed on time. |
| “He’ll learn to play the piano when hell freezes over.” | Implies he lacks the talent or motivation to learn piano. |
| “She’ll stop gossiping when hell freezes over.” | Suggests she is a habitual gossiper and will never stop. |
| “They’ll understand each other when hell freezes over.” | Indicates a fundamental lack of understanding between the parties. |
| “He’ll tell the truth when hell freezes over.” | Implies he is a habitual liar. |
| “She’ll give up her phone when hell freezes over.” | Suggests she is addicted to her phone and will never give it up. |
| “They’ll reduce taxes when hell freezes over.” | Indicates the speaker believes tax reduction is highly improbable. |
| “He’ll be on time when hell freezes over.” | Suggests the person is chronically late. |
| “She’ll be happy with anything when hell freezes over.” | Implies she is never satisfied and will always complain. |
| “They’ll agree on politics when hell freezes over.” | Indicates they have opposing political views and will never agree. |
| “He’ll admit his mistake when hell freezes over.” | Implies he is too stubborn to admit he is wrong. |
| “She’ll let go of the past when hell freezes over.” | Suggests she holds onto grudges and will never forgive. |
| “They’ll be honest about their feelings when hell freezes over.” | Indicates they are emotionally closed off and will never be vulnerable. |
| “He’ll take responsibility for his actions when hell freezes over.” | Implies he avoids accountability and will never take responsibility. |
| “She’ll be content with her life when hell freezes over.” | Suggests she is always seeking something more and will never be content. |
Fat Chance
This idiom is a sarcastic way of saying that something is very unlikely to happen. It directly expresses disbelief or denial.
The table below contains examples of the idiom “Fat Chance” used in sentences:
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Think you’ll get a raise this year? Fat chance!” | Implies a raise is very unlikely. |
| “Do you think he’ll apologize? Fat chance!” | Suggests he is too proud to apologize. |
| “Will they finish the project on time? Fat chance!” | Indicates the project is severely delayed and unlikely to be completed on time. |
| “Think I’ll win the lottery? Fat chance!” | Expresses a strong disbelief in winning the lottery. |
| “Do you think she’ll agree to that? Fat chance!” | Suggests she is very unlikely to agree. |
| “Will he admit he was wrong? Fat chance!” | Implies he is stubborn and will never admit fault. |
| “Think we’ll get a day off this week? Fat chance!” | Expresses a strong doubt about getting a day off. |
| “Do you think they’ll ever understand each other? Fat chance!” | Indicates a lack of communication and understanding between them. |
| “Will he ever clean his room? Fat chance!” | Implies he is very messy and will never clean his room. |
| “Think she’ll stop shopping? Fat chance!” | Suggests she is addicted to shopping and will never stop. |
| “Will they ever reduce taxes? Fat chance!” | Indicates the speaker believes tax reduction is highly improbable. |
| “Think he’ll be on time? Fat chance!” | Suggests the person is chronically late. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever stop gossiping? Fat chance!” | Implies she is a habitual gossiper and will never stop. |
| “Will the traffic ever be light? Fat chance!” | Indicates that traffic is always heavy. |
| “Think he’ll ever tell the truth? Fat chance!” | Implies he is dishonest and unlikely to tell the truth. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever give up her phone? Fat chance!” | Suggests she is addicted to her phone and will never give it up. |
| “Will they ever admit their mistake? Fat chance!” | Implies they are too proud to admit they are wrong. |
| “Think he’ll ever get a promotion? Fat chance!” | Implies he is not valued by his company. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever change her mind? Fat chance!” | Suggests she is very stubborn and will not change her opinion. |
| “Will they ever get along? Fat chance!” | Indicates a fundamental conflict between them. |
| “Think he’ll ever start exercising? Fat chance!” | Suggests he is very lazy and will never exercise. |
| “Do you think she’ll ever cook dinner? Fat chance!” | Implies she dislikes cooking and will never do it. |
| “Will they ever reach an agreement? Fat chance!” | Indicates they are too different to find common ground. |
| “Think he’ll ever learn to play an instrument? Fat chance!” | Implies he lacks the motivation or talent to learn an instrument. |
Usage Rules for Impossibility Idioms
While idioms add color to the language, it’s crucial to use them correctly to avoid miscommunication. Here are some usage rules to keep in mind:
- Context is Key: Consider the context of the conversation and the audience. Idioms are generally more appropriate in informal settings.
- Know the Meaning: Ensure you fully understand the meaning of the idiom before using it. Misusing an idiom can lead to confusion or embarrassment.
- Don’t Overuse: While idioms can be effective, overusing them can make your speech sound unnatural or forced.
- Avoid Mixing Idioms: Mixing idioms (e.g., “burning the candle at both ends” and “killing two birds with one stone” into “burning two birds with one candle”) can create nonsensical expressions.
- Be Mindful of Cultural Differences: Some idioms may not translate well across cultures or may have different connotations in other languages.
By following these rules, you can use idioms effectively and confidently, enhancing your communication skills.
Common Mistakes with Impossibility Idioms
Learners often make mistakes when using idioms, particularly when they try to interpret them literally or when they are unfamiliar with the correct wording. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “When cows fly.” | “When pigs fly.” | The correct animal is “pigs,” not “cows.” |
| “A snowball’s chance in heaven.” | “A snowball’s chance in hell.” | The idiom refers to “hell,” not “heaven,” to emphasize the impossibility. |
| “Not in a million year.” | “Not in a million years.” | The plural “years” is required. |
| “When the hell freezes.” | “When hell freezes over.” | The correct phrase includes “over.” |
| “Big chance.” | “Fat chance.” | The correct adjective is “fat,” not “big.” |
Being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid errors and use idioms correctly.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of idioms for ‘never going to happen’ with these exercises. Choose the correct idiom to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He’ll clean his room _____________! | When pigs fly |
| 2. She has _______________ of winning the race. | A snowball’s chance in hell |
| 3. Will he ever admit he was wrong? _______________! | Not in a million years |
| 4. They’ll agree on a compromise _______________. | When hell freezes over |
| 5. Think you’ll get a promotion this year? _______________! | Fat chance |
| 6. I will go bungee jumping _______________. | When pigs fly |
| 7. He has ____________ of getting her to go out with him. | A snowball’s chance in hell |
| 8. I will be happy about that _______________. | Not in a million years |
| 9. My mom will cook me dinner _______________. | When hell freezes over |
| 10. I think he will pay me back? _______________! | Fat chance |
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Which idiom means something is very unlikely to happen? a) When cats bark b) A snowball’s chance in hell c) When the sun rises in the west | b) A snowball’s chance in hell |
| 2. Which idiom is a sarcastic way of saying something is unlikely? a) Good luck b) Best wishes c) Fat chance | c) Fat chance |
| 3. Which idiom uses an absurd image to express impossibility? a) When birds swim b) When pigs fly c) When dogs meow | b) When pigs fly |
| 4. Which idiom expresses strong disbelief that something will ever happen? a) Not in a thousand years b) Not in a million years c) Not in a billion years | b) Not in a million years |
| 5. Which idiom uses the image of a fiery place to emphasize impossibility? a) When heaven freezes over b) When hell freezes over c) When earth freezes over | b) When hell freezes over |
| 6. She will do the dishes _______. a) When dogs fly b) When pigs fly c) When birds fly | b) When pigs fly |
| 7. He has a ______ of getting the concert tickets. a) Snowball’s chance in heaven b) Snowball’s chance in hell c) Rock’s chance in hell | b) Snowball’s chance in hell |
| 8. I will be the president _______. a) Not in a hundred years b) Not in a million years c) Not in a billion years | b) Not in a million years |
| 9. She will ever be nice to me _______. a) When heaven freezes over b) When hell freezes over c) When earth freezes over | b) When hell freezes over |
| 10. I think he will be happy ______. a) Big chance b) Fat chance c) Small chance | b) Fat chance |
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Variations
For advanced learners, exploring the subtle nuances and variations of these idioms can further enhance their understanding and usage. Consider the following:
- Regional Variations: Some idioms may have regional variations or equivalents. For example, while “when pigs fly” is common in many English-speaking countries, other regions might use different animal-related impossibilities.
- Combining Idioms: While mixing idioms is generally discouraged, skilled speakers can sometimes creatively combine elements of different idioms for humorous or emphatic effect. However, this should be done with caution and a clear understanding of the idioms involved.
- Historical Context: Understanding the historical or cultural context of an idiom can provide deeper insights into its meaning and usage. Researching the origins of these phrases can be a fascinating linguistic exercise.
- Literary Usage: Explore how these idioms are used in literature and other forms of creative writing. Authors often use idioms to add authenticity to dialogue or to create vivid imagery.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Are these idioms appropriate for formal writing?
Generally, idioms for ‘never going to happen’ are more suitable for informal spoken or written communication. Formal writing typically requires more direct and literal language. However, in some cases, a carefully chosen idiom can add emphasis or color to a formal piece, but use them sparingly and with consideration for your audience.
Can I change the wording of these idioms?
No, idioms have fixed structures, and changing the wording will usually destroy their idiomatic meaning. It’s important to use the correct words in the correct order to ensure that the idiom is understood as intended.
Are these idioms universally understood in all English-speaking countries?
While many of these idioms are widely understood, some may be more common in certain regions or countries. Be mindful of your audience and consider whether an idiom is likely to be familiar to them.
What’s the difference between “when pigs fly” and “when hell freezes over?”
Both idioms express impossibility, but “when hell freezes over” might be considered slightly stronger or more emphatic due to the more dramatic imagery involved. However, the difference is often subtle and depends on the context and the speaker’s intention.
Is it okay to use these idioms in professional settings?
It depends on the professional setting and your relationship with your colleagues. In a very formal environment, it’s best to avoid idioms. However, in a more relaxed workplace, using an idiom occasionally can add a bit of humor or personality to your communication, but always be mindful of your audience and the overall tone.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms for ‘never going to happen’ can significantly enhance your English language skills, allowing you to express disbelief, denial, and impossibility with flair and precision. By understanding the definitions, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with these colorful expressions, you can confidently incorporate them into your spoken and written communication. Remember to consider the context, audience, and tone when using idioms, and practice regularly to improve your fluency and accuracy. With dedication and attention to detail, you’ll be able to use these idioms effectively and add a touch of creativity to your language skills.
