Entity: WHEN-PIGS-FLY
The phrase 'when pigs fly' is an idiom used to express extreme improbability or impossibility.
WHEN-PIGS-FLY
Etymology
The phrase 'when pigs fly' originated in the early 1600s, equating the flight of pigs with something impossible.
Definition
'When pigs fly' is an idiom used to express extreme improbability or impossibility, indicating that something will never happen or is highly unlikely to occur.
Historical Context
The phrase has roots in early literature and proverbs, with enduring popularity due to its vivid imagery and universal appeal.
Cultural Significance
Similar phrases in English include 'when hell freezes over' and 'monkeys might fly out of my butt', popularized in various media.
Related Concepts
The idiom 'when pigs fly' is often compared to other expressions of impossibility in different languages.
See Also
An expression indicating that something will never happen or is highly unlikely to occur.