when pigs fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "when pigs fly" is an idiom commonly used in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is highly unlikely to happen. Example: "He said that he will pass the exam without studying? Yeah, right, when pigs fly!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Sharon: Sure I can, when pigs fly.

grammar-example

One Democratic legislator vowed that Sandy Springs would incorporate "when pigs fly," a phrase that Mayor Galambos has since adopted as the name of her blog.

The New York Times

Given the trends so far, in this worst-ever year for flight delays, one might be tempted to scoff: When pigs fly.

The New York Times

In one StarBand radio spot, a cheerful saleswoman from a cable modem provider tells a prospective customer: "Let's see, I can schedule an installation when hell freezes over or when pigs fly.

The New York Times - Tech

"If people ask when the dot-orgs will turn a profit, there's a simple answer: 'When pigs fly.' Going forward, we expect the dot-orgs to rack up an impressive string of zeroes for some time to come".

The New York Times

As the Post's James Hohmann pointed out, if the overtime rule is rescinded then a replacement regulation would require congressional approval, and "if you know anything about the Hill, you know that will happen — when pigs fly".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

This could also mean Zune sync software for the Mac, something that we expected when pigs flew.

TechCrunch

When truffle pigs fly.

Forbes

"If you could cultivate Italian whites," he says, "and if your trees managed to produce a hundred pounds per acre-which is common with French blacks-then at $2,000 a pound you'd make $200,000 per acre per year". Lefevre dreams on: "If you had 10 acres, you could work leisurely for maybe five weeks each winter and have a $2 million annual income". When truffle pigs fly.

Forbes

Of course he always asks me to stop monkeying around but only when pig can fly!

BBC

Amid reflections on fame, failed relationships, and what sounds like an allusion to an abortion or miscarriage on All Things Go, Minaj can still sound fierce, for example when bellowing: "Is pigs flying?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when pigs fly" to add emphasis to a statement of impossibility or extreme improbability. It's best used in informal contexts or when aiming for a humorous effect.

Common error

Avoid using "when pigs fly" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your language with synonyms or alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "when pigs fly" functions as an adverbial phrase expressing impossibility or extreme unlikelihood. As Ludwig AI says, it emphasizes that something is highly unlikely to happen. This phrase is commonly used to dismiss a suggestion or express disbelief in a humorous way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when pigs fly" is a common idiomatic expression used to emphatically express that something will never happen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a colorful way to convey disbelief or to dismiss a suggestion as absurd. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for informal contexts, as it adds a humorous touch. If you're aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives like "impossible" or "highly unlikely" are more appropriate. Its presence in news media and even in wiki articles suggests widespread understanding, but its usage should be tailored to the specific audience and context. Overusing the expression can diminish its impact, so consider varying your language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never

Directly states that something will not happen.

not in a million years

Emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of an event.

when hell freezes over

Another idiomatic expression indicating impossibility.

no way

Informal expression of strong disbelief or refusal.

not a chance

Indicates that something is definitely not going to happen.

impossible

Directly states that something cannot occur.

that'll be the day

Sarcastic expression implying disbelief.

fat chance

Informal expression indicating little to no possibility.

don't hold your breath

Warns against expecting something to happen.

highly unlikely

States that the probability of something happening is very low.

FAQs

What does "when pigs fly" mean?

The idiom "when pigs fly" is a humorous way of saying that something will never happen. It's used to express disbelief or to dismiss a suggestion as absurd.

How can I use "when pigs fly" in a sentence?

You can use "when pigs fly" when you want to express that something is impossible or highly improbable. For example: "He'll clean his room "when pigs fly"!"

What are some alternatives to saying "when pigs fly"?

Some alternatives to "when pigs fly" include "never", "not a chance", or "when hell freezes over". These phrases all convey a similar sense of impossibility.

Is it appropriate to use "when pigs fly" in formal writing?

No, "when pigs fly" is an informal idiom and is generally not appropriate for formal writing. In formal contexts, it's better to use more direct language to express impossibility, such as "highly unlikely" or "impossible".