wen pɪɡz flaɪ
Animals
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- At the time when pigs can fly through the air
What does "when pigs fly" mean?
- Never; something that will never happen
- Used sarcastically about impossibilities
Examples
- He'll apologize when pigs fly.
- I'll believe it when pigs fly.
- Sure, I'll vote for him—when pigs fly!
Origin
From the absurd image of flying pigs. If something happens when pigs fly, it never happens.
How to use it
Sarcastic expression of disbelief. Common response to unlikely claims.
Similar expressions
never
not in a million years
no way
fat chance
Opposites
definitely
certainly
absolutely
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "when pigs fly" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.