PhrasesHub

Pigs might fly

    Definitions

      • express disbelief
        To indicate that something is highly unlikely or impossible

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Pigs might fly

    • "You're telling me that that old, rusty car is going to win the race? Pigs might fly before that happens!"

      When we say "Pigs might fly" it means that something is extremely unlikely or impossible to happen. In this example, the person is saying that it's extremely unlikely for that old, rusty car to win the race.

    • She promised to clean her room every day, but pigs might fly before that happens.

      This idiom is used to express extreme doubt or skepticism about the likelihood of something happening. In this example, the speaker does not believe that the person will clean her room daily. The phrase "pigs might fly" is exaggerated and unlikely, but serves as a humorous and emphatic way to emphasize the speaker's lack of belief.

    • I'll believe it when pigs fly.

      This is a common way to convey doubt or skepticism about a statement or claim. By saying "I'll believe it when pigs fly," the speaker is essentially questioning the validity or truthfulness of the statement being made. It's a figurative way to say that the speaker is extremely skeptical or does not believe it at all.

    • The team seemed confident in their abilities, but pigs might fly before they actually won the game.

      This idiom is used to show that the speaker is aware that something seems likely, but still remains uncertain about its outcome. The phrase "pigs might fly" conveys that the speaker is skeptical or doubts that the outcome will be favorable.

    • Your proposal sounds great, but pigs might fly before it gets approved by the board.

      In this example, the speaker is expressing doubt that the proposed idea will receive approval from the board. The phrase "pigs might fly" is used to emphasize the speaker's skepticism or uncertainty about the proposal's outcome.

    • John refused to believe that global warming was a real problem, claiming that "pigs might fly before the polar ice caps melt."

      This idiom is used to indicate that the speaker considers something so unlikely or impossible that it is comparable to a situation in which pigs can fly. In other words, John was implying that global warming was just as impossible or unrealistic as the notion that pigs could fly.

    • Sarah's coworker promised her that she would win an award for her project, but Sarah rolled her eyes and muttered, "Yeah, right. Pigs might fly before that happens."

      Here, Sarah is using the idiom to express her skepticism and disbelief that her coworker's prediction would come true.

    • During a heated argument, Tom exclaimed, "You're dreaming if you think I'm going to pay for your extravagant vacation. Pigs might fly before that happens!"

      In this example, Tom is using the idiom to indicate that the other person's request was highly improbable or impossible.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pigs might fly" is used to express disbelief or to discourage someone from pursuing an unlikely or impossible task. It can be used in a lighthearted manner to express skepticism or as a gentle way of advising against pursuing something that is not feasible.

    Origin of "Pigs might fly"

    The origin of the idiom "pigs might fly" can be traced back to the 17th century in England. It is believed to have originated from the expression "pigs fly with their tails forward," which was used to describe something that was impossible. Over time, the expression evolved into the more familiar "pigs might fly," and it became a popular way of expressing incredulity.

    The idiom gained further popularity in the 20th century and is now commonly used in English-speaking countries to convey extreme skepticism or to humorously dismiss the possibility of something happening. Despite its origins being rooted in disbelief, the idiom is also frequently used to caution against pursuing unrealistic goals or expectations.