when pigs fly

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Referencing the fact that pigs do not have wings and cannot fly.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)
  • Rhymes: -aɪ

Adverb

when pigs fly

  1. (idiomatic) Never.
    Synonyms: see Thesaurus:never
    • 1920, James Stephens, Irish Fairy Tales, Mongan's Frenzy:
      "You know, my friend," said Mongan, "that I can't get Duv Laca back unless the King of Leinster asks me to take her back, for a bargain is a bargain."
      "That will happen when pigs fly," said mac an Dáv, "and," said he, "I did not make any bargain with any king that is in the world."

Translations

See also