Pigs can fly Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɪɡz/ /ˈkæn/, /kən/ /ˈfɫaɪ
PIGZ kan / kuhn FLY
pˈɪɡz/ /kˈæn/ /flˈaɪ
PIGZ kan FLY
Definition
This idiom is used to say that something will never happen or is impossible. It is often used humorously to show disbelief.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and humorous. Usually said as 'That will happen when pigs can fly' or as a sarcastic 'Yeah, sure, and pigs can fly.' It means something is impossible or extremely unlikely. Do not use in formal writing.
Spanish: cuando los cerdos vuelen - imposiblePortuguese (BR): quando porcos voarem - impossívelPortuguese (PT): quando os porcos voarem - impossívelChinese (Simplified): 等猪会飞的时候 - 不可能Chinese (Traditional): 等豬會飛的時候 - 不可能Hindi: जब सूअर उड़ सकते हैं - असंभवArabic: عندما تطير الخنازير - مستحيلBengali: যখন শুকর উড়তে পারবে - অসম্ভবRussian: когда свиньи полетят - никогдаJapanese: ブタが空を飛ぶとき - ありえないVietnamese: khi lợn biết bay - không thểKorean: 돼지가 날 수 있을 때 - 불가능Turkish: domuzlar uçunca - imkânsızUrdu: جب سور اڑ سکتے ہیں - ناممکنIndonesian: ketika babi bisa terbang - mustahil
Example Sentences
He'll clean his room when pigs can fly.
basic
They said they would apologize, but only if pigs can fly.
basic
Will I win the lottery? Sure, when pigs can fly.
basic
"Can you finish this huge cake by yourself?" "Yeah, right, pigs can fly!"
natural
Getting him to dance would take a miracle—might as well wait until pigs can fly.
natural
She’ll lend you her favorite dress? Only when pigs can fly.
natural