40+ Idioms for Never Going to Happen

Sometimes, English needs more than a simple “No.” When something is impossible, extremely unlikely, or simply not going to happen, native speakers often use colorful idioms to make the message stronger and more natural.

Learning idioms for never going to happen can help you understand movies, conversations, books, social media, and everyday English with less confusion.

Imagine your friend says, “I’m going to finish this huge project in ten minutes.” You look at the clock, smile, and say, “When pigs fly!” Everyone understands that you think the plan is impossible.

The phrase is playful, but it sounds much more natural than simply saying, “That will never happen.”

These expressions can show humor, doubt, frustration, certainty, or disbelief. Some are perfect for casual conversations, while others work better in writing or professional situations.

In this guide, you’ll learn 40+ useful idioms and expressions for things that are never going to happen, along with examples, dialogues, cultural notes, common mistakes, and practice exercises.

Fun Fact About Impossible Idioms

English speakers have a surprisingly creative way of describing impossible events. “When pigs fly” became popular because pigs obviously cannot fly naturally. Other expressions use impossible dates, frozen places, or imaginary events to express the same idea.

The fun part is that many cultures have their own version of “never.” English simply gives impossibility a lot of imagination!

Everyday Idioms for Things That Will Never Happen

1. When pigs fly

This is one of the most common ways to say that something is extremely unlikely or impossible.

“Will Jake apologize first?”
“Sure—when pigs fly!”

It is usually humorous and informal.

2. When hell freezes over

This means something will never happen, often because the speaker strongly refuses to do something.

“Will you ever lend him your car again?”
“When hell freezes over!”

This is stronger than “probably not.”

3. Not in a million years

Use this when you believe something will not happen even after a very long time.

“Would you ever move to a tiny village?”
“Not in a million years!”

It can also express strong refusal.

4. Once in a blue moon

This does not literally mean “never.” It means something happens very rarely.

“I eat fast food once in a blue moon.”

Use it when an event is uncommon rather than completely impossible.

5. Over my dead body

This dramatic expression means “I absolutely refuse to allow that.”

“Can I borrow your new car?”
“Over my dead body!”

It is usually used humorously among people who know each other well.

6. Fat chance

“Fat chance” is often sarcastic. It means there is almost no chance.

“Do you think the boss will give us another holiday?”
“Fat chance!”

Be careful: the expression sounds negative, not optimistic.

7. No way

A simple but powerful expression of refusal or disbelief.

“Are you going to run a marathon tomorrow?”
“No way!”

It is very common in casual speech.

8. Not a chance

This means something is not going to happen.

“Can I change the meeting time again?”
“Not a chance. We have already changed it twice.”

It is direct and useful in everyday conversations.

9. No chance in hell

This is a stronger and more informal version of “no chance.”

“Do you think he’ll agree to that price?”
“No chance in hell.”

Because it contains strong informal language, avoid it in formal situations.

10. Not on your life

This means absolutely not.

“Would you go skydiving with me?”
“Not on your life!”

It often sounds dramatic or playful.

Idioms Showing Extreme Impossibility

Some expressions go beyond ordinary doubt. They suggest that an event is almost completely impossible.

11. When the moon turns green

This is a creative way to describe something extremely unlikely. It is not as fixed or common as “when pigs fly,” but it can be used playfully.

“Will he suddenly become an early riser?”
“Maybe when the moon turns green!”

12. When the sun rises in the west

This describes an event that is virtually impossible.

“She’ll admit she was wrong when the sun rises in the west.”

It creates a vivid image of something happening against the natural order.

13. When the stars fall from the sky

This poetic expression can suggest that something will happen only under impossible or extraordinary circumstances.

“I’ll believe that story when the stars fall from the sky.”

It is more literary than conversational.

14. In your dreams

This playful phrase means “That is not going to happen.”

“I’m going to beat you at chess this time.”
“In your dreams!”

The tone can be teasing rather than serious.

15. Dream on

This means someone should stop expecting an unrealistic result.

“I’ll finish all twenty chapters tonight.”
“Dream on!”

It is informal and can sound dismissive, so use it carefully.

Daily-Life Expressions for Unrealistic Plans

16. Not by a long shot

This means something is nowhere near happening or being true.

“Do you think we’re finished?”
“Not by a long shot.”

It is useful when a person is far from achieving a goal.

17. No dice

“No dice” means no agreement, no success, or no possibility.

“I asked Dad for permission, but no dice.”

This is informal and common in casual American English.

18. Out of the question

Something that is “out of the question” is completely unacceptable or impossible under the circumstances.

“Buying a new car this month is out of the question.”

This expression is useful in both everyday and workplace conversations.

19. Not happening

This direct phrase means exactly what it says: the event will not happen.

“We’re having another meeting at 7 a.m.”
“Not happening!”

It is highly informal.

20. Forget it

“Forget it” can mean don’t expect that to happen.

“Can I use your laptop for the whole weekend?”
“Forget it!”

Depending on tone, it can also mean “don’t worry about it.”

21. No such luck

This means you hoped something would happen, but it did not.

“I hoped the store would still be open. No such luck.”

It is less forceful than “never going to happen.”

22. Not bloody likely

This is a strong, informal British expression meaning something is very unlikely.

“Do you think he’ll arrive on time?”
“Not bloody likely.”

Because it contains a mild swear word, it is unsuitable for many professional situations.

Idioms for Impossible Promises and Predictions

People sometimes make promises that sound unrealistic. These expressions help you respond naturally.

23. Easier said than done

This means something sounds simple but is actually difficult to accomplish.

“I’ll save enough money to buy a house this year.”
“That’s easier said than done.”

It does not mean something is impossible, but it is useful when a plan seems unrealistic.

24. A snowball’s chance in hell

This colorful idiom means almost no chance at all.

“Our tiny team has a snowball’s chance in hell of winning against them.”

It is informal and quite strong.

25. A cold day in hell

This expression means something will happen only under an extremely unlikely condition.

“I’ll work for that company again when it’s a cold day in hell.”

It has a similar feeling to “when hell freezes over.”

26. Not in this lifetime

This means the speaker believes something will not happen during their lifetime.

“Will you ever buy another sports car?”
“Not in this lifetime.”

It can be serious, humorous, or exaggerated.

27. In another universe

This modern, playful expression suggests that something could happen only in a completely different reality.

“You becoming a professional singer?”
“Maybe in another universe!”

It works especially well in casual online conversations.

28. In your dreams

This expression is often used between friends.

“I’m going to become taller than you.”
“In your dreams!”

The meaning depends heavily on tone.

Workplace Idioms for Unlikely Events

Not every expression about impossibility belongs in a business email. In professional English, choose phrases that sound clear and respectful.

29. Out of the question

“Increasing the budget by 50% is out of the question this quarter.”

This is suitable for many workplace discussions.

30. Highly unlikely

Although it is not a traditional idiom, this natural phrase is safer in professional communication.

“A launch this week is highly unlikely.”

31. Slim chance

A “slim chance” means there is a small possibility.

“There is a slim chance we can finish by Friday.”

Unlike “no chance,” this expression leaves some room for possibility.

32. A long shot

A “long shot” is something unlikely to succeed but still possible.

“Getting the contract is a long shot, but we should still submit the proposal.”

This is useful in business, sports, and everyday English.

33. Against all odds

This expression describes something that happens despite very difficult circumstances.

“Against all odds, the small company survived.”

Notice the difference: this idiom describes something unlikely that actually happens, not something that will never happen.

Funny and Creative Idioms

English speakers often turn impossible situations into jokes.

34. When chickens grow teeth

This playful expression describes something extremely unlikely.

“He’ll become organized when chickens grow teeth.”

It is less common than “when pigs fly,” so use it mainly for humor.

35. When fish climb trees

Another creative variation meaning “probably never.”

“I’ll become a morning person when fish climb trees.”

This is understandable, but it is not as established as common idioms such as “when pigs fly.”

36. When the cows come home

This phrase means for a very long time, not literally “never.”

“You can argue about it until the cows come home.”

Depending on context, it can suggest that arguing will continue without producing a result.

37. Until kingdom come

This means for an extremely long time or indefinitely.

“We could wait until kingdom come, but he still won’t agree.”

It has an old-fashioned or literary flavor.

38. When two Mondays meet

This humorous expression can be used creatively to suggest that something will never happen.

“I’ll start exercising regularly when two Mondays meet!”

It is more of a playful invention than a standard idiom, so do not use it when formal accuracy matters.

Idioms in Literature and Storytelling

Writers often use impossible images to make language memorable. Expressions such as “when pigs fly” and “when hell freezes over” work because they create pictures in the reader’s mind.

In literature, impossible events can also be used symbolically. A character may wait for something that will never happen, making the impossible event a symbol of hope, refusal, loss, or stubbornness.

For example:

“She promised she would return when the river ran backward.”

This is not a standard English idiom, but it demonstrates how writers can create an impossible condition to communicate finality.

When reading novels, do not assume every creative expression is a dictionary idiom. Writers often invent fresh comparisons.

Idioms Native Speakers Use in Real Life

In everyday conversation, native speakers often choose short expressions rather than long explanations.

Friend: “Do you think Mark will apologize?”

Sam: “Not in a million years.”

Friend: “What about Sarah?”

Sam: “Fat chance.”

Friend: “So nobody?”

Sam: “When pigs fly!”

This conversation sounds natural because the expressions match the informal setting.

For professional communication, however, a better choice would be:

“That seems highly unlikely.”

The meaning is similar, but the tone is more appropriate.

Emotional Scale: From Mild Doubt to Absolute Refusal

Different idioms carry different emotional strength.

The key lesson is simple: choose an idiom that matches your emotion.

How to Use Idioms in Daily Life

Speaking

Use common expressions such as:

• “No way!”
• “Not a chance.”
• “In your dreams.”
• “When pigs fly.”
• “Fat chance.”

These are easy to use with friends and family.

Writing

For informal writing, expressions such as “a long shot” or “when pigs fly” can add personality.

For formal writing, choose clearer language such as:

• “Highly unlikely”
• “There is little possibility”
• “This is unlikely to occur”
• “This is not feasible under the current conditions”

Professional Communication

Avoid highly dramatic idioms in formal emails. Instead of:

“When hell freezes over, we’ll approve it.”

write:

“We are unable to approve this request at present.”

The second version is clearer and more professional.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Mistake 1: Using “once in a blue moon” for “never”

Wrong idea: “I will visit him once in a blue moon” means “I will never visit him.”

Correct meaning: You will visit him very rarely.

Mistake 2: Thinking “a long shot” means impossible

A long shot still has some possibility of success.

“Winning is a long shot.”

This does not mean “winning is impossible.”

Mistake 3: Using informal idioms in formal emails

Expressions such as “no chance in hell” and “dream on” can sound rude or too casual.

Use neutral language in professional settings.

Mistake 4: Taking idioms literally

“When pigs fly” is not about pigs. It means an event is extremely unlikely.

Mistake 5: Using strong expressions with the wrong emotion

“Over my dead body” expresses strong refusal. Do not use it when you simply mean that something is unlikely.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

Choose a suitable expression from the list:

when pigs fly — a long shot — not in a million years — out of the question — once in a blue moon

1. “Would you let a stranger use your new laptop?”
   “__________!”
2. “She only eats fast food __________.”
3. “Getting the job is __________, but I’ll apply.”
4. “Buying a private jet is __________ for us.”
5. “Will he wake up at 5 a.m. every day?”
   “__________!”

Answers

1. Not in a million years
2. once in a blue moon
3. a long shot
4. out of the question
5. when pigs fly

Mini Dialogue Challenge

Read this conversation aloud:

Tom: “I think I’ll finish this book tonight.”
Anna: “It’s 500 pages!”
Tom: “I’ll try.”
Anna: “Dream on!”
Tom: “You don’t believe me?”
Anna: “Not by a long shot.”

Now replace “Dream on!” with another suitable expression. Try “Fat chance!” or “When pigs fly!”

Speaking these expressions aloud helps you remember their rhythm and emotional tone.

Quick Reference: 40+ Idioms and Expressions

Here are the expressions from this guide in one place:

1. When pigs fly
2. When hell freezes over
3. Not in a million years
4. Once in a blue moon
5. Over my dead body
6. Fat chance
7. No way
8. Not a chance
9. No chance in hell
10. Not on your life
11. When the moon turns green
12. When the sun rises in the west
13. When the stars fall from the sky
14. In your dreams
15. Dream on
16. Not by a long shot
17. No dice
18. Out of the question
19. Not happening
20. Forget it
21. No such luck
22. Not bloody likely
23. Easier said than done
24. A snowball’s chance in hell
25. A cold day in hell
26. Not in this lifetime
27. In another universe
28. In your dreams
29. Out of the question
30. Highly unlikely
31. Slim chance
32. A long shot
33. Against all odds
34. When chickens grow teeth
35. When fish climb trees
36. Until the cows come home
37. Until kingdom come
38. When two Mondays meet
39. Not likely
40. No possibility
41. Little chance
42. Almost impossible

FAQs

Are these idioms used in everyday English?

Yes. Expressions such as “when pigs fly,” “no way,” “not a chance,” “fat chance,” and “in your dreams” are common in casual English. Some others are more literary, humorous, or old-fashioned.

Which idiom is best for IELTS?

For IELTS Speaking, natural idioms can make your language more expressive when they fit the topic. Do not force idioms into every answer. In formal IELTS Writing, clear and precise language is usually more appropriate than highly informal expressions.

Are these idioms understood in every English-speaking country?

Many common expressions are widely understood across English-speaking countries, but usage can vary. British, American, Australian, and other varieties of English may prefer different expressions. Context also matters.

Can I use “when pigs fly” with my teacher?

You can understand and recognize it, but whether you should use it depends on the situation. It is casual and humorous. In a formal classroom presentation, “highly unlikely” may sound more suitable.

How can I remember these idioms?

Learn idioms in small groups, not as one giant list. For example, learn five expressions for strong refusal, write your own sentences, and use them in short conversations. Visual images can also make unusual expressions easier to remember.

Conclusion

English idioms make ordinary ideas more colorful, memorable, and natural.

When something is never going to happen, you can simply say “No,” but expressions such as “when pigs fly,” “not in a million years,” “fat chance,” and “when hell freezes over” give your English more personality.

The important thing is to understand the meaning, tone, and situation before using an idiom.

Start with a few common expressions, practice them in real sentences, and gradually add more to your vocabulary.

The more naturally you use idioms, the more confident and fluent your English can become.

Thomas Reed

Thomas Reed is an experienced English teacher helping students learn with simple, clear lessons.
He focuses on improving speaking, grammar, and confidence through easy daily practice.