When hell freezes over Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn/ /ˈhɛɫ/ /ˈfɹizɪz/ /ˈoʊvɝ

WHEN hel FREE-ziz OH-ver

UK

wˈɛn/ /hˈɛl/ /fɹˈiːzɪz/ /ˈəʊvɐ

WEN hel FREE-ziz OH-vuh

Definition

This expression means 'never' or 'not going to happen.' It's used to say that something is impossible or extremely unlikely.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and humorous. Often used to express strong disbelief or refusal. Not literal; do not use in formal writing. Similar to 'not in a million years'.

• Spanish: cuando las ranas críen pelo - cuando el infierno se congele
• Portuguese (BR): no dia de São Nunca - quando o inferno congelar
• Portuguese (PT): no dia de São Nunca - quando o inferno congelar
• Chinese (Simplified): 等到地狱结冰的时候 - 永远不可能
• Chinese (Traditional): 等到地獄結冰的時候 - 永遠不可能
• Hindi: जब नरक में बर्फ़ जमेगी - कभी नहीं
• Arabic: عندما يجمد الجحيم - حين يبيضّ الديك
• Bengali: যেদিন চাঁদে পানি ফুটবে - স্বর্গে বরফ পড়বে
• Russian: когда рак на горе свистнет - когда ад замёрзнет
• Japanese: 地獄に氷が張る時 - 万が一にも起こらない
• Vietnamese: khi trời sập - bao giờ cho đến Tết Công Gô
• Korean: 해가 서쪽에서 뜰 때 - 지옥에 얼음이 얼 때
• Turkish: balık kavağa çıkınca - cehennem donunca
• Urdu: جب قیامت آئے گی - جب دوزخ میں برف پڑے گی
• Indonesian: kalau matahari terbit dari barat - kalau neraka membeku

Example Sentences

He'll apologize when hell freezes over.

basic

My parents will let me get a dog when hell freezes over.

basic

You will see me in a dress when hell freezes over.

basic

I'll trust him again when hell freezes over, and not a second before.

natural

If you think I'm working on Saturday, that's going to happen when hell freezes over.

natural

Sure, he'll admit he was wrong—when hell freezes over!

natural