Meaning: This idiom is used to describe something that is highly unlikely or impossible to happen.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “She’ll start waking up early when pigs fly—she’s a night owl through and through.”
- “Sure, he’ll apologize when pigs fly. He never admits he’s wrong.”
- “They said they would lower the prices, but I’ll believe it when pigs fly.”
Origin: The idiom “when pigs fly” is a humorous expression that dates back centuries, reflecting the absurdity of the idea of pigs being able to fly. The phrase uses the image of pigs, which are earthbound animals, performing the impossible feat of flying to emphasize that something is so unlikely that it will never happen. Similar expressions exist in other languages, often using different animals or scenarios, but the underlying meaning is the same: the event in question is so far-fetched that it’s not going to occur. The phrase has been popular in English-speaking cultures since at least the 17th century and is still commonly used today to dismiss or express doubt about improbable situations.
