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When pigs fly. A weather vane in the shape of a flying pig. The phrase " when pigs fly " (alternatively, " pigs might fly ") is an adynaton —a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility.
‘Pigs might fly’, or as some would have it ‘pigs may fly’, is an example of an adynaton, that is, a figure of speech that uses inflated comparison to such an extent as to suggest complete impossibility.
5 days ago · The meaning of WHEN PIGS FLY is —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen. How to use when pigs fly in a sentence.
May 19, 2021 · The phrase when pigs fly is a figure of speech used to indicate that something is impossible. When someone states that they intend to do something that simply cannot be done, one could respond with a literal statement to that effect. Or, one could simply respond "when pigs fly."
Jan 7, 2024 · The phrase “pigs might fly” or “pigs may fly” has been used in various forms since the 1600s, when it was said that “pigs fly with their tails forward”, used as a sarcastic remark something overly optimistic.
When pigs fly. The idioms of this page are used to indicate that something is highly unlikely ever to happen, or that it will never happen. This phrase is thought to come from an old Scottish proverb.
when pigs fly. Never, as in Sure he'll pay for the drinks-when pigs fly. Equating the flight of pigs with something impossible dates from the early 1600s, when several writers alleged that pigs fly with their tails forward. The idiom is also put as pigs may fly.
The idiom "when pigs fly" (or "pigs might fly," "pigs may fly") is an example of an adynaton, which is a figure of speech in the form of hyperbole (exaggeration) to such an extent as to imply impossibility. Here are some other common examples of adynaton:
Jan 10, 2017 · “When pigs fly” is used to describe figuratively something that most likely will never happen. “Mark plans to tidy up his room every week, but he will probably do it only when pigs fly” Which means that Mark will never clean his room.
Never, as in Sure he'll pay for the drinks—when pigs fly . Equating the flight of pigs with something impossible dates from the early 1600s, when several writers alleged that pigs fly with their tails forward.
