Some things in life are just never going to happen like pigs flying or the ocean turning into lemonade. That’s where colorful language comes in! Idioms for never going to happen bring humor, exaggeration, and personality to our conversations.
They paint vivid pictures that instantly show something is impossible without having to explain it. Whether you’re trying to lighten the mood, make a strong point, or just sound more natural, using these expressions can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and quirky idioms that capture the idea of impossibility in clever ways. Get ready to upgrade your everyday language with these fun and memorable sayings!
Idioms for Never Going to Happen
In English, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Imagine telling someone their wild idea has a “snowball’s chance in hell” of working out. Sounds way cooler than just saying “not likely,” right? These never going to happen phrases paint a picture. They capture frustration, humor, hope, or sarcasm sometimes all at once.
People love using sarcastic expressions about failure because they pack so much emotion into just a few words. Think about a “pipe dream,” which refers to an impossible fantasy, or “chasing rainbows,” which means wasting time on impossible goals. Each idiom reflects a unique piece of cultural history, a funny image, or a shared feeling about disappointment.
Below, we’ll dive deep into 58 unforgettable sayings that capture the spirit of “that’s never going to happen” in the most creative ways.
1. When pigs fly
The most famous idiom for impossibility. If someone says something will happen “when pigs fly,” it means it will never happen because pigs obviously don’t fly.
2. Once in a blue moon
Rare occurrence idioms like “once in a blue moon” describe events that almost never happen. A blue moon is a rare second full moon in a single month.
3. Not a chance
Simple and direct. “Not a chance” is one of those no chance expressions that leaves no room for hope.
4. A snowball’s chance in hell
This phrase combines two things that don’t go together: snow and hell. A “snowball’s chance in hell” means absolutely no chance.
5. Fat chance
It sounds positive but is very sarcastic. “Fat chance” is a classic example of sarcastic expressions about failure.
6. Hell will freeze over
Saying something will happen “when hell freezes over” means it will never happen. Pure impossibility.
7. Pipe dream
A “pipe dream” originally referred to fantasies inspired by smoking opium. Now it just means an impossible dream idiom.
8. Chasing rainbows
If you’re “chasing rainbows,” you’re pursuing an unattainable goal phrase: something beautiful but impossible to catch.
9. The moon on a stick
Asking for “the moon on a stick” means wanting something impossible or unrealistic.
10. Wild goose chase
A “wild goose chase” is a futile effort phrase where someone wastes time chasing after something impossible to catch.
11. A lost cause
A “lost cause” is a situation with no hope of success, a true hopeless situation.
12. Dead in the water
If a project is “dead in the water,” it’s failed completely before it even got going. Another strong futility expression.
13. Barking up the wrong tree
When someone is “barking up the wrong tree,” they are making a mistake or pursuing the wrong thing.
14. A pipe dream
Yes, it’s so good it made the list twice! Another reminder that some dreams are just not realistic.
15. All dressed up and nowhere to go
Feeling “all dressed up and nowhere to go” means you’re ready for something exciting… that never actually happens.
16. Dead as a doornail
Another old but gold expression. “Dead as a doornail” means completely, totally dead — no hope.
17. Not in this lifetime
When someone says “not in this lifetime,” they mean it’s absolutely not happening while they’re alive.
18. The fat lady hasn’t sung
Borrowed from opera, this means something isn’t officially over yet, but success is still unlikely.
19. A dream within a dream
A “dream within a dream” describes a layered fantasy, something even farther from reality.
20. Like finding a needle in a haystack
Trying to find a tiny needle in a giant haystack? Good luck. This futile effort phrase shows just how impossible some tasks are.
21. A snowball’s chance
A shorter way to say “a snowball’s chance in hell,” still just as bleak.
22. On a wild goose chase
Reinforcing that pointless, impossible search idea again.
23. If wishes were horses
“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.” A creative communication phrase for when mere wishing won’t change reality.
24. Like trying to catch smoke
It’s impossible to catch smoke with your hands, the perfect metaphor for impossible tasks.
25. A cat in hell’s chance
Another colorful way to say there’s zero hope.
26. A fool’s errand
A “fool’s errand” is a futile effort phrase where success is not even a possibility.
27. A pipe dream
Yes, third time’s the charm. Dreams can be persistent even if they’re unrealistic.
28. A castle in the air
Building “castles in the air” means making grand but impossible plans.
29. Building castles in the sky
Same idea as above. Impossible dreams built on nothing but wishes.
30. A shot in the dark
Taking “a shot in the dark” is trying something with a long shot chance of success.
31. Like barking up the wrong tree
Again, pursuing the wrong solution wastes time and energy.
32. All hat and no cattle
This colorful English idiom describes someone who talks big but has no real substance.
33. A pie in the sky
Another delicious but empty promise. “A pie in the sky” will never actually feed you.
34. A wild idea
Describes something that’s so far-fetched it seems intense.
35. Running in circles
Doing a lot without making any progress describes “running in circles.”
36. A long shot
A “long shot” means a very unlikely success but sometimes miracles do happen!
37. Like pulling teeth
If achieving something feels “like pulling teeth,” it’s extremely hard and unpleasant.
38. A lost ball in high weeds
Feeling totally lost, confused, and hopeless like a ball swallowed by tall grass.
39. Playing with fire
Taking risks so big they’re almost certainly going to end badly.
40. A dead end
A “dead end” means no way forward, only disappointment.
41. A bridge too far
Trying to achieve something that’s just beyond reach a strategic mistake.
42. A shot at the moon
Another bold attempt at something nearly impossible.
43. Chasing shadows
Trying to catch something that’s not even real.
44. Like a moth to a flame
Being drawn toward something destructive is a vivid and tragic image.
45. A bridge that goes nowhere
Building a bridge… but it never connects. Symbolizes wasted effort.
46. A dream deferred
When dreams are delayed indefinitely, they often die.
47. Like trying to nail jelly to a wall
Absolutely impossible. Have you ever tried it?
48. A straw in the wind
A tiny, useless sign pointing to a bigger, badder outcome.
49. A house of cards
A fragile situation bound to collapse a classic futility expression.
50. A fool’s paradise
Living in happy but unrealistic ignorance.
51. A cold day in hell
Another icy twist on the idea that something is never going to happen.
52. A wild ride
Going through chaos and uncertainty.
53. A flash in the pan
Something that seems exciting but disappears quickly.
54. The sky’s the limit
Ironically positive but often said sarcastically when limits are very real.
55. A bitter pill to swallow
Accepting a tough, disappointing reality you can’t change.
56. Like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole
This idiom refers to attempting something that is incompatible or impossible. Trying to make something fit where it doesn’t belong is a futile effort.
57. A fool’s gold
Fool’s gold is something that appears valuable but is ultimately worthless. It can also symbolize something that seems like a great opportunity but is bound to fail.
58. A dog chasing its tail
This idiom refers to a situation where someone is wasting energy on something that doesn’t lead anywhere. It’s like a dog running in circles trying to catch its own tail, a pointless effort with no result.
Quiz on Idioms for Never Going to Happen
What does the idiom “When pigs fly” mean?
A) Something that will definitely happen
B) Something that will never happen
Answer: B) Something that will never happen
Which idiom suggests something occurs very rarely?
A) Once in a blue moon
B) Fat chance
Answer: A) Once in a blue moon
What does “Not a chance” express?
A) High possibility
B) No possibility
Answer: B) No possibility
Which idiom indicates something has very little likelihood of happening?
A) A snowball’s chance in hell
B) Chasing rainbows
Answer: A) A snowball’s chance in hell
What does “Fat chance” imply?
A) High probability
B) No chance at all
Answer: B) No chance at all
Which idiom means something will never happen?
A) Pipe dream
B) Hell will freeze over
Answer: B) Hell will freeze over
What does “Chasing rainbows” suggest?
A) Pursuing something realistic
B) Pursuing something unattainable
Answer: B) Pursuing something unattainable
Which idiom refers to a futile pursuit?
A) Wild goose chase
B) Barking up the wrong tree
Answer: A) Wild goose chase
What does “A lost cause” refer to?
A) A hopeful situation
B) A hopeless situation
Answer: B) A hopeless situation
Which idiom indicates a plan that has no chance of success?
A) Dead in the water
B) The moon on a stick
Answer: A) Dead in the water
What does “Barking up the wrong tree” mean?
A) Pursuing the right idea
B) Pursuing a mistaken idea
Answer: B) Pursuing a mistaken idea
What does “All dressed up and nowhere to go” describe?
A) Being unprepared
B) Being prepared for something that won’t happen
Answer: B) Being prepared for something that won’t happen
Which idiom refers to a fantasy that will never materialize?
A) A pipe dream
B) A snowball’s chance in hell
Answer: A) A pipe dream
What does “The moon on a stick” refer to?
A) Something easily attainable
B) Something impossible to obtain
Answer: B) Something impossible to obtain
Which idiom implies a pointless quest?
A) Lost cause
B) Wild goose chase
Answer: B) Wild goose chase
What does “A dream within a dream” symbolize?
A) A realistic goal
B) A layered and unattainable fantasy
Answer: B) A layered and unattainable fantasy
What does “Like finding a needle in a haystack” mean?
A) A simple task
B) An almost impossible task
Answer: B) An almost impossible task
Conclusion
Learning idioms for never going to happen adds a colorful, witty flair to your conversations and writing. These expressions capture the humor, frustration, and certainty behind impossible situations with just a few words. Whether you’re joking with friends or crafting a vivid story, knowing the right idiom makes your message unforgettable. From classics like “when pigs fly” to lesser-known gems, these phrases paint a clear picture of impossibility. So next time you need to express doubt or humor, you’ll have the perfect idiom ready to go!
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