In this next post, we are going to look at 12 useful idioms used to convey the idea that something is never going to happen or at least it is very unlikely to happen.
Let’s jump right in!
12 Idioms For Something That Is Never Going To Happen
When Pigs Fly
We use the expression when pigs fly to say that something is not going to happen. In other words, it would be more likely to see a pig fly than to see that particular thing happen.
“I don’t think we will ever catch mom riding a horse. She is deathly afraid of horses.”
“Sure that will happen when pigs fly, that is.”
Never In A Million (Thousand, Hundred, etc.) Years
When someone says never in a million years, they are saying that they will never at any point in the future do that particular thing.
“I think he is kind of cute, if he asked you out, would you date him?”
“Never in a thousand years would I date Aaron”
To Be Like Nailing Jelly To A Tree (To A Wall)
When we say that something is like nailing jelly to a tree, we are saying that it is impossible to achieve. You are never going to accomplish it.
“Trying to win an argument with Jane is like nailing jelly to a tree. It is simply impossible to reason with her.”
To Ask For The Moon
We say that a person is asking for the moon when they make a request that is unreasonable or that is never going to be given to them.
“I don’t think the boss is going to make that change to our department. I am afraid you are asking for the moon. He is never going to honor your request.”
To Sneak The Sunrise Past The Rooster
To sneak the sunrise past the rooster means you are trying to do something that is impossible or something that is very difficult to do. Another way to say that it simply can’t be done.
“I don’t think he will get away with it. It is like trying to sneak the sunrise past the rooster. It’s just impossible.”
To Milk A Bull (Ram or even a duck)
To milk a bull ( a ram or a duck) means that you are doing something that has no chance of succeeding. It is like literally trying to get milk from a bull, it is impossible.
“He is just milking the bull if he thinks that he can change her mind. Once she has her mind set on something there is no one who can convince her otherwise.”
To Not Hold One’s Breath
To hold one’s breath means to wait for something to happen. When it is used in the negative we are saying that it most likely will never happen. For example, we might say to someone, “don’t hold your breath that something will happen”. In other words, don’t hold your breath or don’t wait for it to happen, because it is not going to.
“Jerry said he would be here by 9:00 this morning, but don’t hold your breath. He is never on time.”
To Wring Water From A Stone
When something is very difficult or even impossible to do, we say that it is like wringing water from a stone. Obviously, you are not going to be able to get water from a stone. The expression to get blood from a stone may also be used to convey the same idea.
“Don’t bother trying to get Steve to clean up around the house. You can’t wring water from a stone.”
You may also enjoy reading: 10 Hope Idioms (Examples & Definitions)
To Be Like Looking For A Needle In A Haystack
To be like looking for a needle in a haystack is to be looking for something that is impossible to find.
“Trying to find your earring in the sand is like looking for a needle in a haystack. You are never going to find it.”
To Catch Lightning In A Bottle
To catch lightning in a bottle can be used to describe something that is impossible or incredibly difficult to do. It can also convey the idea of something that can’t be done.
“You will have a better chance of trying to catch lightning in a bottle than trying to convince him to go shopping with you. He hates shopping.”
A Cold Day In July or It Will Be A Cold Day In July Before…
In the month of July, the weather is very hot, and the chances of a cold day are very very slime. A cold day in July is used to describe something that is unlikely to happen. In other words, it is more likely for there to be a cold day in July than for that particular thing to happen. Which is unlikely.
“It will be a cold day in July before my mom lets me go skydiving.”
You may also enjoy reading: 10 Simple Idioms For Feeling Nervous
The First Of Never
Usually, when someone asks us when we are going to do something, we will give them a specific date like the first of May. With that in mind, the first of never refers to a date in the future with the month being never. As you can see it is a sarcastic way of saying that something will never happen.
“I think he is kind of cute, if he asked you out, would you date him?”
“On the first of never! He creeps me out!”
There you have it! 12 useful idioms to say that something will never happen. Which one was your favorite?
If you enjoy this post, you may also enjoy our Idiom Of The Day page. There we post a different idiom every day. Check it out!
