A snowball's chance in hell

Definitions

• very little chance or likelihood
  Expressing that the possibility of something happening is extremely slim or improbable, often used to emphasize the unlikelihood of a situation or event.

• extreme difficulty or impossibility
  Indicating that a situation, task, or action is extremely challenging or virtually impossible to accomplish, often used to convey the magnitude of a daunting or impossible task.

• negative outcome or consequences
  Suggesting that engaging in a particular activity or task will result in negative consequences or undesirable outcomes, often used to warn against the potential risks or dangers of a course of action.

Examples of A snowball's chance in hell

• The company's proposal for a new project had a snowball's chance in hell of being approved by the board.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation that is highly unlikely or impossible to happen. The image of a snowball melting in hell represents an impossible situation, as hell is traditionally depicted as a place of extreme heat.

• The athlete's chances of winning the race were as slim as a snowball's chance in hell.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where the probability of something happening is extremely low. The comparison of the athlete's chances to a snowball's chance in hell emphasizes the extreme rarity of the outcome being discussed.

• The sales team's efforts to close the deal were a snowball's chance in hell.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where the probability of something happening is extremely low. The comparison of the sales team's efforts to a snowball's chance in hell emphasizes the extreme rarity of the outcome being discussed.

• The artist's chances of selling his paintings were as slim as a snowball's chance in hell.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where the probability of something happening is extremely low. The comparison of the artist's chances to a snowball's chance in hell emphasizes the extreme rarity of the outcome being discussed.

• The politician's proposal to cut taxes had a snowball's chance in hell of passing through the parliament.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where the probability of something happening is extremely low. The comparison of the politician's proposal to a snowball's chance in hell emphasizes the extreme rarity of the outcome being discussed.

Conclusion

The idiom "a snowball's chance in hell" is often used to convey the idea of extreme unlikelihood, difficulty, or negative outcomes. It is typically used in a figurative sense to emphasize the improbability or impossibility of a situation, task, or outcome.

In all three meanings, the idiom is used to express the idea that the chances of something happening or being successful are incredibly slim or virtually non-existent. It can also be used as a warning or caution against taking a certain course of action, suggesting that it will not result in any positive outcome or may even have negative consequences.

Origin of "A snowball's chance in hell"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Christian concept of hell, which is often depicted as a hot and fiery place of eternal punishment. In this context, a snowball has no chance of surviving in such extreme conditions, hence the use of this idiom to express extreme unlikelihood or impossibility.

The phrase was first recorded in the 19th century and has been in common use ever since. It is believed to have originated in the American South, where the hot and humid climate made it nearly impossible for snow to form, let alone survive. This further reinforces the idea of something having a very slim or impossible chance of success.

In conclusion, "a snowball's chance in hell" is a vivid and expressive idiom that conveys the idea of extreme unlikelihood, difficulty, or negative outcomes. Its origins can be traced back to the concept of hell in Christianity and it has been in use for centuries to emphasize the improbable or impossible nature of a situation or event.