Until hell freezes over Meaning in English

expression

US

ənˈtɪɫ/ /ˈhɛɫ/ /ˈfɹizɪz/ /ˈoʊvɝ

uhn-TIL HEL FREE-ziz OH-ver

UK

ʌntˈɪl/ /hˈɛl/ /fɹˈiːzɪz/ /ˈəʊvɐ

un-TIL HEL FREE-ziz OH-vuh

Definition

This expression means for an extremely long time, or forever. People use it to suggest that something will never happen or will not change.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and humorous. Often used in arguments or to emphasize impossibility: 'You can wait until hell freezes over.' Not literal—shows frustration, sarcasm, or disbelief.

• Spanish: hasta que el infierno se congele
• Portuguese (BR): até o inferno congelar
• Portuguese (PT): até o inferno congelar
• Chinese (Simplified): 等到地狱结冰
• Chinese (Traditional): 等到地獄結冰
• Hindi: जब तक नरक में बर्फ़ न पड़ जाए
• Arabic: حتى يتجمد الجحيم
• Bengali: যত দিন না নরক বরফে ঢেকে যায় - চিরকাল
• Russian: до скончания века - до тех пор, пока ад не замёрзнет
• Japanese: 地獄が凍りつくまで
• Vietnamese: cho đến khi địa ngục đóng băng - mãi mãi
• Korean: 지옥이 얼어붙을 때까지 - 영원히
• Turkish: cehennem donana kadar - sonsuza kadar
• Urdu: جب تک جہنم جم نہ جائے
• Indonesian: sampai neraka membeku - selamanya

Example Sentences

I'll wait for you until hell freezes over.

basic

You could ask him until hell freezes over, but he'll never say yes.

basic

My brother will argue with me until hell freezes over.

basic

You can wait until hell freezes over, but they won't change the rules.

natural

She said she'd keep asking for a raise until hell freezes over.

natural

He promised not to forgive them until hell freezes over.

natural