wouldnt

(I) wouldn't count on it/(something)

A phrase cautioning one against expecting something. I overheard some of the bosses talking, and I wouldn't count on a Christmas bonus this year. A: "Is Aunt Meg coming too?" B: "I wouldn't count on it, honey—she's been really busy with work." I wouldn't count on getting tickets to the Baylor Miffed concert. Last time she went on tour, tickets sold out in minutes.

See also: count, on

(one) won't hear of (something)

One is adamant that something will not happen; one refuses to allow something (to happen). A: "I'd like to pay for dinner to thank you for your generosity." B: "I won't hear of it, my boy! You are our guest." My mother won't hear of us going to an out-of-state college. I won't hear of you two living together before you're married, and that's that!

See also: hear, of

I wouldn't wish (something) on a dog

The thing being discussed is so bad or unpleasant that no one deserves to be subjected to it, not even an animal. I wouldn't wish cancer on a dog. No one should have to go through that. I wouldn't wish this boring Restoration Literature class on a dog—unless they're sleep deprived. Why is she being so cold to me? Goodness, I wouldn't wish this treatment on a dog.

See also: dog, on, wish

if frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts

A phrase that advises against wishing for impossible or absurd things to happen. A: "If only my parents would give me a car, life would be so much easier." B: "Yeah, and if frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts." Who knows, maybe the boss will listen to reason for once. Yeah, right, and if frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts! A: "I just wish I could work less and make more money." B: "Well, sure, and if frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts!"

See also: bump, butt, frog, if

if frogs had wings, they wouldn't bump their butts (when they hop)

A phrase that advises against wishing for impossible or absurd things to happen. A: "If only my parents would give me a car, life would be so much easier." B: "Yeah, and if frogs had wings, they wouldn't bump their butts. It's not gonna happen, dude." Who knows, maybe the boss will listen to reason for once. Yeah, right, and if frogs had wings, they wouldn't bump their butts when they hop! A: "I just wish I could work less and make more money." B: "Well, sure, and if frogs had wings, they wouldn't bump their butts when they hop!"

See also: bump, butt, frog, if

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

If frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts,

 and If a toady frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass.

Rur. It is useless to wish for impossible things. (Use caution with ass.) Tom: If I had two hundred thousand dollars, I could buy that farm. Jane: Yeah, and if frogs had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts. Charlie: If I were rich and famous, I'd make people listen to me. Bill: If a toady frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass.

See also: bump, butt, frog, if

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.