PhrasesHub

In a pig's eye

    Definitions

      • disbelief or skepticism
        Express disbelief or skepticism about something that has been said or proposed

      • refusal or rejection
        Refuse something emphatically or express strong rejection of a suggestion or offer

    Examples of In a pig's eye

    • Sally claimed that she was the best singer in the school choir, but in a pig's eye, she was barely able to hit the right notes.

      This is a colorful and emphatic way of expressing the opposite of what someone has claimed. "In a pig's eye" is a hyperbole, exaggerating the impossibility of the statement being made. Essentially, it means "not in the slightest chance" or "absolutely not" in a more vivid and dramatic way. In this example, Sally's claim is being strongly rejected and dismissed as ridiculous.

    • The boss assured us that the new project would be completed on time, but in a pig's eye, we knew that was not going to happen.

      Similar to the previous example, this one again uses "in a pig's eye" to reject a statement as false. Here the boss's confidence in completing the project on time is being doubted and dismissed as unrealistic. It suggests a high degree of skepticism and disbelief.

    • The advertiser claimed that the product would change our lives, but in a pig's eye, all it did was make a hole in our wallets.

      Here the advertiser's bold claims are being ridiculed and dismissed as exaggerated and misleading. "In a pig's eye" is again being used to strongly reject the claim that the product would change lives, instead highlighting the opposite effect - financial loss. This is a powerful way to communicate strong skepticism and distrust.

    • If you think you'll get away with lying, in a pig's eye you won't!

      This is a more direct and confrontational use of "in a pig's eye". Used as a warning or threat, it implies that there is no way the other person will be able to get away with their intended action. It suggests a complete lack of trust and confidence, with a strong sense of authority and certainty. This is a classic example of using "in a pig's eye" as a way of strongly rejecting a false claim or intention.

    • She claimed to be an expert in the field, but in a pig's eye was she ever qualified!

      This example is using the idiom "in a pig's eye" to mean "not at all" or "certainly not". The person being referred to made a statement claiming to be knowledgeable or qualified, but in reality, they had no such qualifications or expertise. So the speaker is essentially saying that this person's claim to expertise is as unlikely as someone saying that they have eyes in a pig's head (which is impossible).

    • I'm tired and need to sleep, but in a pig's eye am I going to stay awake any longer!

      This example is using the idiom to mean "absolutely not" or "never". The speaker is stating that they are extremely tired and need to sleep, but their exhaustion is so severe that they will definitely fall asleep, no matter what happens or what obstacles arise.

    • He said he knew where the treasure was hidden, but in a pig's eye did he ever find it!

      This example is using the idiom to mean "not in the slightest" or "certainly not". The person being referred to made a claim about finding a hidden treasure, but in reality, they were unsuccessful in their search. So the speaker is essentially saying that this person's assertion about locating the treasure was about as plausible as someone finding treasure in a pig's head (which is impossible).

    • She promised that the project would be completed on time, but in a pig's eye was that ever going to happen!

      This example is using the idiom to mean "not in the least likely" or "certainly not". The person being referred to made a promise that the project would be finished by a specific deadline, but in reality, there were too many obstacles and delays to make that feasible. So the speaker is essentially saying that this person's pledge about completing the project on time was as unlikely as someone saying that a pig's eye would ever open (which is impossible).


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in a pig's eye" is used to express disbelief or skepticism about something that has been said or proposed. It can also be used to refuse something emphatically or express strong rejection of a suggestion or offer. The intention behind this idiom is to convey a sense of doubt or refusal in a colorful and humorous way.

    This idiom is often used in informal conversations and is not typically used in formal writing. It is a lighthearted way to express skepticism or rejection, adding a touch of humor to the conversation.

    Origin of "In a pig's eye"

    The origin of the idiom "in a pig's eye" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in American English in the early 20th century. The use of the word "eye" in the idiom suggests a reference to the idea of something being unlikely or impossible, as pigs are not typically associated with having keen vision. The idiom may have evolved from the expression "in a pig's ear," which has a similar meaning of disbelief or rejection.

    The idiom may have also been influenced by the negative connotations associated with pigs in Western culture, where they are often seen as unclean or undesirable animals. Overall, the exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but its colorful and humorous nature has made it a popular expression in the English language.