When pigs fly.
/wɛn pɪgz flaɪ/
When pigs fly.
/wɛn pɪgz flaɪ/
When pigs fly" is a humorous way to say that something will never happen. The phrase is used to express skepticism or doubt towards someone's plans or aspirations that seem unrealistic. The imagery of pigs, which cannot fly, serves to emphasize the impossibility of the scenario. Understanding and using this idiom can add a layer of humor and reality check to conversations, especially in situations where creative and critical thinking is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of ideas or plans.
I'll believe that when pigs fly.
This communicates strong skepticism, implying that the belief in such an event happening is virtually impossible.
He says he'll clean his room? Yeah, when pigs fly!
This is a sarcastic remark doubting the likelihood of him cleaning his room, suggesting it's nearly impossible.
She promised to pay me back next week, but I'll expect it when pigs fly.
Here, there is a strong doubt about her returning the money as promised, suggesting she likely will not.