"When pigs fly" is an adynaton, a way of saying that something will never happen. The phrase is often used for humorous effect, to scoff at over-ambition. There are numerous variations on the theme; when an individual with a reputation for failure finally succeeds, onlookers may sarcastically claim to see a flying pig .

Aug 7, 2024 · Impossible or highly unlikely to happen. “When pigs fly” means that something will never happen. It expresses the impossibility of an event or situation occurring. The phrase is used humorously to denote skepticism or disbelief in the likelihood of a particular event taking place.

‘Pigs might fly’ is a humorous/ironic remark, used to indicate the unlikeliness of some event or to mock the credulity of others. For example: “I might make a start on papering the back bedroom tomorrow”. “Yes, and pigs might fly”. The literalists amongst us all know that pigs can fly. After all, newspapers keep saying ‘swine flu’.

Apr 23, 2023 · The phrase "when pigs fly" is often used to express skepticism or disbelief, but where did this saying come from? In this historical investigation, we will delve into the origins of this popular expression and explore its evolution over time.

The idiom "when pigs fly" (or "pigs might fly," "pigs may fly") is an example of an adynaton, which is a figure of speech in the form of hyperbole (exaggeration) to such an extent as to imply impossibility. Here are some other common examples of adynaton:

The meaning of WHEN PIGS FLY is —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen. How to use when pigs fly in a sentence.

May 19, 2021 · "When pigs fly" is just one of several idioms of improbability commonly used in English. There are plenty of creative and funny ways to let people know that what they're talking about is all but unattainable or impossible.

The idiom “when pigs fly” is a popular expression used to describe something that is highly unlikely to happen. It is often used in a sarcastic or humorous way to convey disbelief or skepticism towards an idea or statement.

The earliest iterations of when pigs fly were slightly longer than the version used today, as they specified that the pigs would be flying with their tails forward. This version is rarely found after the 17th century, and nowadays we make do with the shorter version of when pigs fly.

Jan 10, 2017 · “When pigs fly” is used to describe figuratively something that most likely will never happen. “Mark plans to tidy up his room every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs fly” Which means that Mark will never clean his room.