Understanding idioms is crucial for mastering English fluency and comprehension. Idioms add color and depth to our language, allowing us to express complex ideas concisely and creatively.
This article focuses on idioms that convey the idea of something being impossible or highly unlikely. Mastering these idioms will enhance your ability to understand native speakers and express yourself more vividly.
This guide is perfect for English language learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced, as well as anyone looking to refine their command of the English language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Idioms for Impossibility
- Structural Breakdown of Idioms
- Types and Categories of Impossibility Idioms
- Examples of Idioms for Impossibility
- Usage Rules for Impossibility Idioms
- Common Mistakes When Using Impossibility Idioms
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuances and Context
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Idioms for Impossibility
Idioms for impossibility are fixed expressions whose overall meaning is different from the literal meaning of the individual words they contain. These idioms are used to express that something is not possible, highly improbable, or will never happen.
They often add emphasis or a humorous tone to the statement. Understanding these idioms requires recognizing that their meaning is figurative rather than literal.
These idioms function as emphatic statements to convey disbelief, skepticism, or a firm conviction that an event or action is unattainable. They are frequently used in everyday conversation, literature, and media to add color and impact to communication.
The context in which these idioms are used is crucial for their accurate interpretation.
Classifying these idioms involves understanding that they belong to the broader category of figurative language, which also includes metaphors, similes, and personification. However, idioms are unique in that their meaning is conventionalized and not easily deduced from the individual words.
Structural Breakdown of Idioms
Idioms, by their nature, do not adhere to strict grammatical rules in terms of individual word meaning. Their structure is fixed, meaning the words cannot be changed or rearranged without altering or losing the idiomatic meaning.
The structure of an idiom is determined by its historical usage and cultural context.
An idiom can consist of various parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. The key is that these parts of speech combine to create a meaning that is different from their literal interpretations.
For example, in the idiom “when pigs fly,” the noun “pigs” and the verb “fly” individually have clear meanings, but their combination creates an expression of impossibility.
The grammatical structure of an idiom often reflects the historical period in which it originated. Some idioms may contain archaic words or grammatical constructions that are no longer in common use.
However, the idiomatic meaning remains relevant and understood in contemporary English.
Types and Categories of Impossibility Idioms
Literal Impossibility
These idioms refer to situations that are physically or logically impossible. They often involve scenarios that defy the laws of nature or common sense.
The emphasis is on the absolute impossibility of the event occurring.
Extreme Unlikelihood
These idioms suggest that while something might technically be possible, the chances of it happening are so remote as to be virtually nonexistent. They often involve exaggerations or humorous comparisons to emphasize the improbability.
Conditional Impossibility
These idioms express that something will only happen under extremely unlikely or impossible conditions. They often imply a sense of skepticism or disbelief about the possibility of the condition being met.
Examples of Idioms for Impossibility
Below are several tables with examples of idioms that express impossibility, categorized for easier understanding.
Animal-Related Idioms
These idioms use animals to illustrate impossible scenarios. The animals’ behaviors are exaggerated to emphasize the unlikelihood of the event.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| When pigs fly | Something that will never happen. | “He’ll clean his room when pigs fly!” |
| A snowball’s chance in hell | No chance at all. | “He doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the election.” |
| When hell freezes over | Something that will never happen. | “I’ll agree with you when hell freezes over.” |
| Cats and dogs will be friends | Something that will never happen. | “They will be honest with each other when cats and dogs will be friends” |
| A hen’s teeth | Extremely rare or difficult to find, practically non-existent. | “Honesty in politics is as rare as hen’s teeth.” |
| A fish climbing a tree | Something that is impossible or unnatural. | “Asking him to be on time is like expecting a fish to climb a tree.” |
| A frog growing hair | Something that will never happen. | “It’s as likely as a frog growing hair, I tell you.” |
| A snake wearing shoes | Something that is completely absurd and impossible. | “Expecting him to be polite is like expecting a snake to wear shoes.” |
| A cow jumping over the moon | Something that is whimsical and impossible. | “That happening is about as likely as a cow jumping over the moon.” |
| A donkey flying to Mars | Something utterly impossible. | “He will pass the exam when a donkey flies to Mars.” |
| Dogs meowing | Something that is completely unnatural and will never occur. | “She will admit she was wrong when dogs start meowing.” |
| A chicken with lips | Something that is extremely rare or non-existent. | “Finding a decent politician is as rare as finding a chicken with lips.” |
| A pig playing the piano | Something that is highly improbable and absurd. | “He’ll finish his project when pigs play the piano.” |
| A bird swimming in the ocean | Something unnatural and impossible for the given creature. | “That idea working out is about as likely as a bird swimming in the ocean.” |
| A bear riding a bicycle | An absurd and impossible scenario. | “She’ll agree to go out with him when bears ride bicycles.” |
| A lion speaking English | Something that is completely impossible. | “He will understand quantum physics when a lion speaks English.” |
| A sheep herding wolves | An unlikely and unnatural situation. | “That partnership working is as likely as a sheep herding wolves.” |
| A turtle winning a race against a rabbit | Something that is highly improbable, referencing the fable of the tortoise and the hare, but emphasizing the impossibility. | “He’ll finish the marathon when a turtle wins a race against a rabbit.” |
| A worm building a skyscraper | An impossible task for the creature mentioned. | “That project succeeding is about as likely as a worm building a skyscraper.” |
| A mouse roaring like a lion | Something completely out of character and impossible to imagine. | “He’ll stand up to his boss when a mouse roars like a lion.” |
| A giraffe fitting in a Mini Cooper | Something that is physically impossible due to size constraints. | “That many people fitting in that room is as likely as a giraffe fitting in a Mini Cooper.” |
| A penguin living in the desert | Something that is unnatural and impossible given the creature’s habitat. | “He’ll adapt to the city life when a penguin lives in the desert.” |
| A spider knitting a sweater | An absurd and impossible task for the specified creature. | “She’ll finish her novel when spiders knit sweaters.” |
| A butterfly pulling an elephant | Something that is physically impossible due to the disparity in size and strength. | “That small company outcompeting the giant is as likely as a butterfly pulling an elephant.” |
| A mosquito lifting a car | Something physically impossible due to the laws of nature; the size and strength disparity makes it impossible. | “He’ll admit he was wrong when a mosquito lifts a car.” |
Weather-Related Idioms
These idioms use weather phenomena to symbolize impossible or extremely unlikely occurrences. They often involve extreme or contradictory weather conditions.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| When it rains in the desert | Something that is very unlikely to happen. | “He’ll call you when it rains in the desert.” |
| When the sun rises in the west | Something that will never happen. | “She’ll apologize when the sun rises in the west.” |
| When the snow turns to fire | Something that is impossible. | “They will agree when the snow turns to fire.” |
| When the tide stops | Something that is against the natural order and will never occur. | “He’ll change his mind when the tide stops.” |
| When the wind blows backwards | Something that is highly improbable and against nature. | “She’ll arrive on time when the wind blows backwards.” |
| When ice melts in hell | Something that is utterly impossible. | “He’ll tell the truth when ice melts in hell.” |
| When the sky falls | Something catastrophic and impossible. | “They’ll succeed when the sky falls.” |
| When the clouds turn to gold | Something that is fantastical and will never happen. | “She’ll retire when the clouds turn to gold.” |
| When lightning never strikes | Referencing the saying that lightning never strikes the same place twice – implying something is exceedingly rare. | “He’ll win the lottery when lightning never strikes.” |
| When the stars align perfectly | An event that is highly unlikely due to the complexity of celestial mechanics. | “Everything will fall into place when the stars align perfectly.” |
| When the moon turns blue | Referencing the term “once in a blue moon” to mean something very rare, then emphasizing its impossibility. | “He’ll visit when the moon turns blue.” |
| When the rivers run dry | An event that would be catastrophic and impossible, indicating a desertification scenario. | “She’ll forgive him when the rivers run dry.” |
| When fire freezes | A contradiction of nature, implying something can never happen. | “He’ll admit his mistake when fire freezes.” |
| When the mountains crumble to dust | An event that would take millions of years, thus never happening in the foreseeable future. | “They’ll give up their dreams when the mountains crumble to dust.” |
| When rainbows appear at night | An impossible meteorological phenomenon. | “She’ll agree with his plan when rainbows appear at night.” |
| When the sun shines at midnight | An impossible astronomical event. | “He’ll finish his work on time when the sun shines at midnight.” |
| When the rain falls upwards | Something against the laws of physics and thus impossible. | “She’ll believe him when the rain falls upwards.” |
| When the thunder is silent | An impossible sensory contradiction. | “He’ll stop arguing when the thunder is silent.” |
| When the fog clears forever | An over-exaggerated statement about something that will never happen. | “She’ll understand his feelings when the fog clears forever.” |
| When the clouds disappear completely | An unrealistic and practically impossible weather condition. | “He’ll find peace when the clouds disappear completely.” |
Time-Related Idioms
These idioms involve time-related concepts to express that something will never occur or is highly unlikely within a reasonable timeframe.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| In a month of Sundays | Never. | “He’ll pay you back in a month of Sundays.” |
| Not in a million years | Never. | “Not in a million years would I do that.” |
| When two Sundays come together | Never. | “He’ll apologize when two Sundays come together.” |
| At the twelfth of never | Never, at no point in time. | “She’ll admit she was wrong at the twelfth of never.” |
| When time stands still | Something that is impossible and will never happen. | “He’ll finish his project when time stands still.” |
| When the clock strikes thirteen | An impossible time, meaning never. | “She’ll arrive on time when the clock strikes thirteen.” |
| After blue moons turn black | An exaggerated way of saying never. | “He’ll give up his dreams after blue moons turn black.” |
| When yesterday comes again | Something that is impossible because time only moves forward. | “She’ll forget him when yesterday comes again.” |
| When pigs learn to fly backwards in time | A combination of two idioms to emphasize utter impossibility. | “He’ll understand her feelings when pigs learn to fly backwards in time.” |
| When the seas run upside down in reverse | A series of impossibilities combined to emphasize the point. | “She’ll stop worrying when the seas run upside down in reverse.” |
| When the stars forget to shine tomorrow | An impossible astronomical event combined with a temporal reference. | “He’ll find happiness when the stars forget to shine tomorrow.” |
| When the sun forgets to rise again | An impossible event related to time and celestial mechanics. | “She’ll agree to his plan when the sun forgets to rise again.” |
| When history rewrites itself | Something that is impossible because the past cannot be changed. | “He’ll forgive her when history rewrites itself.” |
| When the past becomes the future | A paradox involving time; it’s impossible for the past to become the future. | “She’ll return when the past becomes the future.” |
| When the present turns into eternity | An impossible state of time, as the present is fleeting. | “He’ll find peace when the present turns into eternity.” |
| When clocks start moving backwards | Something against the nature of time. | “She’ll believe him when clocks start moving backwards.” |
| When calendars start counting down to birth | An absurd statement about reversing time. | “He’ll understand quantum physics when calendars start counting down to birth.” |
| When time decides to go on vacation | Personifying time and suggesting it can take a break, which is impossible. | “She’ll finish her novel when time decides to go on vacation.” |
| When the universe un-explodes | Reversing the Big Bang, an impossible event. | “He’ll admit he was wrong when the universe un-explodes.” |
Spatial Idioms
These idioms use spatial relationships and concepts to convey impossibility, often involving contradictions in physical space or location.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| When the mountains meet | Something that is geographically impossible. | “They will reconcile when the mountains meet.” |
| When the sky touches the ground | Something that is visually impossible. | “He will believe you when the sky touches the ground.” |
| When the river flows uphill | Something against gravity, therefore impossible. | “She will agree with you when the river flows uphill.” |
| When the earth reverses its spin | Something astronomically impossible. | “He’ll give in when the earth reverses its spin.” |
| When the continents switch places | Something that would take millions of years, essentially impossible in a human timeframe. | “She’ll forgive him when the continents switch places.” |
| When the North Pole is south | A geographic impossibility. | “He’ll tell the truth when the North Pole is south.” |
| When oceans turn to lemonade | An absurd and impossible transformation. | “She’ll visit him when oceans turn to lemonade.” |
| When the stars fall into your pocket | An impossible spatial containment. | “He’ll find happiness when the stars fall into your pocket.” |
| When two parallel lines intersect | A geometric impossibility. | “She’ll agree to his plan when two parallel lines intersect.” |
| When the moon is made of cheese | An absurd composition, referencing a children’s tale. | “He’ll understand her feelings when the moon is made of cheese.” |
Figurative Idioms
These idioms use abstract or figurative concepts to express impossibility, often involving contradictions or absurd scenarios.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| A cold day in July | Something that is very unlikely to happen. | “He’ll help you when it’s a cold day in July.” |
| If wishes were horses, beggars would ride | Wishing is not enough to make something happen. | “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, but they’re not, so you need to work hard.” |
| Easier said than done | Something is more difficult to accomplish than it sounds. | “Finding a solution is easier said than done.” |
| When silence screams | An oxymoron, as silence cannot scream. | “He’ll understand when silence screams.” |
| When dreams become reality effortlessly | A situation that rarely happens in life. | “She will succeed when dreams become reality effortlessly.” |
| When lies turn into truth | Something morally and logically impossible. | “He’ll confess when lies turn into truth.” |
| When hate turns into love instantly | An abrupt emotional transformation that is seldom seen. | “She’ll forgive him when hate turns into love instantly.” |
| When the past becomes invisible | An emotional analogy to forgetting painful memories, but presented as an impossibility. | “He’ll find peace when the past becomes invisible.” |
Usage Rules for Impossibility Idioms
The primary rule for using idioms is to understand their figurative meaning. Do not interpret the words literally.
Context is key to understanding the intended meaning of the idiom.
Idioms should be used in situations where their meaning is clear to the audience. Avoid using obscure or unfamiliar idioms with people who may not understand them.
While idioms are generally fixed expressions, some idioms allow for slight variations in wording without changing the meaning. For example, “a snowball’s chance in hell” can sometimes be expressed as “a snowball’s hope in hell.” However, be cautious when altering idioms, as it can sometimes change or obscure their meaning.
Be mindful of the tone and register of the situation. Idioms are often informal and may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Common Mistakes When Using Impossibility Idioms
A common mistake is to interpret idioms literally, leading to miscommunication. For example, understanding “when pigs fly” as an actual event involving flying pigs rather than an expression of impossibility.
Another mistake is to use idioms incorrectly in terms of grammar or word order. Idioms have fixed structures, and changing them can alter their meaning or make them nonsensical.
Using idioms inappropriately in formal settings is also a common error. Idioms are often informal and may not be suitable for professional or academic contexts.
Correct: He’ll clean his room when pigs fly.
Incorrect: He’ll clean his room when a pig flies.
Correct: She doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.
Incorrect: She doesn’t have the snowball’s chance in hell.
Practice Exercises
Complete the following sentences with an appropriate idiom from the list provided.
Idioms List: When pigs fly, A snowball’s chance in hell, When hell freezes over, In a month of Sundays, Not in a million years.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He’ll apologize to you _____. | When hell freezes over |
| 2. She has _____ of winning the lottery. | A snowball’s chance in hell |
| 3. I’ll finish this project _____. | In a month of Sundays |
| 4. _____ will I ever agree to that proposal. | Not in a million years |
| 5. My roommate will start doing the dishes _____. | When pigs fly |
| 6. They will admit they are wrong _____. | When pigs fly |
| 7. She has _____ of getting the promotion after being late every day. | A snowball’s chance in hell |
| 8. I’ll start enjoying horror movies _____. | When hell freezes over |
| 9. I will understand quantum physics _____. | In a month of Sundays |
| 10. _____ would I ever consider skydiving. | Not in a million years |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct idiom to replace the underlined phrase in the following sentences.
- It is very unlikely that he will ever admit he was wrong.
- a) When pigs fly
- b) A snowball’s chance in hell
- c) When hell freezes over
Answer: a) When pigs fly
- She has absolutely no chance of winning the competition.
- a) When pigs fly
- b) A snowball’s chance in hell
- c) When hell freezes over
Answer: b) A snowball’s chance in hell
- It is impossible that he will ever clean his room.
- a) When pigs fly
- b) A snowball’s chance in hell
- c) When hell freezes over
Answer: a) When pigs fly
- It is impossible that she will ever arrive on time.
- a) When pigs fly
- b) A snowball’s chance in hell
- c) When hell freezes over
Answer: a) When pigs fly
- It is very unlikely that I will ever agree to his demands.
- a) When pigs fly
- b) A snowball’s chance in hell
- c) When hell freezes over
Answer: c) When hell freezes over
Advanced Topics: Nuances and Context
Advanced learners should explore the nuances of idioms and how their meaning can be influenced by context. For example, the idiom “when pigs fly” can be used sarcastically or humorously, depending on the situation.
Consider the cultural origins of idioms. Many idioms have historical or cultural roots that can provide deeper insights into their meaning and usage.
Understanding these origins can enhance your appreciation of the English language.
Explore regional variations in idiom usage. Some idioms are more common in certain regions or dialects of English.
Being aware of these variations can help you avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an idiom?
An idiom is a fixed expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of its individual words. It is a figurative expression that has a conventionalized meaning understood by native speakers.
- Why is it important to learn idioms?
Learning idioms is essential for understanding native speakers, improving fluency, and adding color and depth to your language. Idioms are commonly used in everyday conversation, literature, and media.
- How can I learn idioms effectively?
Learn idioms through context, practice using them in sentences, and be aware of their cultural origins. Use flashcards, online resources, and language learning apps to reinforce your knowledge.
- Can I change the words in an idiom?
Generally, no. Idioms have fixed structures, and changing the words can alter their meaning or make them nonsensical. However, some idioms allow for slight variations without changing the core meaning.
- Are idioms formal or informal?
Most idioms are informal and may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings. Be mindful of the tone and register of the situation when using idioms.
- What should I do if I don’t understand an idiom?
Ask for clarification or look up the idiom in a dictionary or online resource. Pay attention to the context in which the idiom is used to infer its meaning.
- Are there idioms that are considered offensive?
Yes, some idioms may have offensive origins or connotations. It is important to be aware of the potential impact of your words and avoid using idioms that could be hurtful or insensitive to others. When in doubt, it’s best to choose alternative expressions.
- How do I know when to use an idiom vs. a literal expression?
Consider your audience and the context of the communication. If you are speaking to native English speakers in an informal setting, idioms can add color and emphasis. However, in formal or professional settings, literal expressions may be more appropriate to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.
- Can the meaning of an idiom change over time?
Yes, the meaning and usage of idioms can evolve over time due to cultural shifts and changes in language. Some idioms may become outdated or take on new meanings. It’s important to stay updated on current usage to avoid sounding out of touch.
- How do I avoid misusing idioms?
To avoid misusing idioms, focus on understanding their figurative meaning rather than interpreting them literally. Practice using idioms in context and seek feedback from native speakers to ensure that you are using them correctly. Pay attention to the nuances of idiom usage and be mindful of the tone and register of the situation.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms for impossibility is a valuable step in achieving fluency and comprehension in English. By understanding the figurative meanings and usage rules of these expressions, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and add color to your language.
Remember to practice using idioms in context and be mindful of the tone and register of the situation.
Continue to explore the rich and varied world of English idioms. The more you learn, the more confident and proficient you will become in your use of the language.
With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to use these colorful expressions naturally and accurately, making your English communication more engaging and impactful.