when pigs fly

Not gonna happen

When pigs fly dismisses something as impossible or extremely unlikely.

The image of pigs taking flight—absurd by nature—emphasizes that the speaker expects the thing will never happen: I'll forgive him when pigs fly.

The phrase often responds sarcastically to promises or predictions the speaker finds laughable.

disbelief

skepticism

Disposition toward doubt

scoffing · dismissal · eye-roll · yeah right · sure thing · as if · don't hold your breath · fat chance · not likely · dream on

impossibility

never

At no point

improbable · unrealistic · unfeasible · impracticable · unobtainable · futile · hopeless · snowball's chance · blue moon · miracle

whimsy

absurdity

Wildly illogical quality

illustration · figurine · novelty · playful · lighthearted · amusing · silly · humorous · comical · ridiculous

sarcasm

irony

Meaning opposite to words

ridicule · wit · quip · retort · comeback · deadpan · dry humor · tongue-in-cheek · scorn · contempt

Categories
Opposites
likelihood/probability

when pigs flyalways

At all times

inevitably · certainly · without fail · guaranteed · definitely

temporal certainty

when pigs flyright now

At the present moment

immediately · as we speak · any day now · any minute now · straightaway

Family

when, flying, pigs, piggy, piglet, whenever, piglets, whence, piggish

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G