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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.
Aug 7, 2024 · The idiom “when pigs fly” has a rich history that spans centuries, with roots in early literature and proverbs. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its vivid imagery and universal appeal, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.
‘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.
When pigs fly. "When pigs fly or have wings is an expression or retort that means much the same thing as 'when hell freezes over.'. In other words, it emphasises something that is absolutely not going to happen.
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."
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:
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.
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.
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.
Idiom meaning: when pigs fly. When pigs fly? Ummm, when was the last time you saw a pig fly? That's right, never. Pigs don't have wings so they can't fly. It's not possible. When pigs fly: Never. Notes: We use this phrase to say that something is never going to happen.
