pigs might fly

pigs might fly

There is no chance of that ever happening. Used to show skepticism or cynicism about someone's hypothetical remark. A: "If we could just get Democrats and Republicans to agree on a tax reform bill, we could bring the deficit down in no time." B: "Yeah, and pigs might fly!"

See also: fly, might, pig

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

pigs might fly

BRITISH

People say pigs might fly, to mean that something that has just been mentioned is very unlikely to happen. `There's a chance he isn't involved in this, of course.' — `And pigs might fly.' Note: People say that something will happen or be done when pigs fly to mean that in reality it will never happen or be done. My private reaction was `Yeah, we'll do it when pigs fly.' Note: People often vary this expression. `Maybe one day we'll be rich.' — `Oh look, I just saw a pig fly by my window.'

See also: fly, might, pig

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

pigs might (or can) fly

used ironically to express disbelief. chiefly British

Pigs fly in the air with their tails forward was a proverbial saying in the 17th century; the current version dates back to the late 19th century, and the first recorded use is by Lewis Carroll .

1973 Jack Higgins A Prayer for the Dying ‘Something could come out of that line of enquiry.’ ‘I know…Pigs might also fly.’

See also: fly, might, pig

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌpigs might ˈfly

(British English) (American English when ˌpigs ˈfly) (ironic, saying) used when you do not believe something will ever happen: ‘You might get into the football team if you practise hard.’ ‘Yes, and pigs might fly!’

See also: fly, might, pig

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017