When hell freezes over

Meaning

The idiom "when hell freezes over" is used to describe a situation that is highly unlikely to occur. It is often used as an expression of disbelief or skepticism when someone makes a statement that seems unrealistic.

The literal meaning of the idiom is that hell, which is traditionally depicted as a place of eternal fire and suffering, will freeze over. This is considered highly unlikely, so if someone says something like "I'll be there when hell freezes over," it means they are not going to do or believe that thing. The figurative meaning is that something extremely unlikely or impossible will happen. For example, if a person says "I'll never go to the moon when hell freezes over," it means they will never go to the moon because it is highly unlikely to happen.

Usage

Here are five sentences using the idiom in different contexts:

• "I'll believe it when I see it" is a common phrase, but I think my skepticism will still be strong even when hell freezes over." (In this sentence, the speaker is saying that they will never believe something unless they see it with their own eyes, and that even then they might still doubt it.)
• "I'll take you to heaven on a winged horse when hell freezes over" means I won't do anything like that ever." (In this sentence, the speaker is saying that they will never do something or go somewhere because it is highly unlikely or impossible.)
• "When hell freezes over, pigs will fly and unicorns will dance in the rain." (In this sentence, the speaker is using a hyperbole to express their disbelief that something is true.)
• "I'll take you to Mars when hell freezes over" means I won't go to Mars because it is highly unlikely or impossible." (In this sentence, the speaker is saying that they will never go to Mars because it is highly unlikely or impossible.)
• "I'll buy you a yacht when hell freezes over" means I won't buy you a yacht because it is highly unlikely or impossible." (In this sentence, the speaker is saying that they will never buy someone a yacht because it is highly unlikely or impossible.)

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "when hell freezes over" is unclear. It has been in use since at least the 16th century, but its exact origins are unknown. It may have originated from a religious belief that the afterlife would be freezing cold, or it may have been used to describe something that was extremely unlikely or impossible. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved slightly. In older times, it was often used to describe a situation that was highly unlikely or impossible, while in contemporary language, it is often used to express disbelief or skepticism.

Synonyms in English

Here are three synonyms for "when hell freezes over":

• Never happen
• Unlikely ever
• Impossible

Synonyms in other languages

Here are five synonyms with translations and descriptions in other languages:

• Spanish - Entre ellos no hablan ningún lenguaje común (Translation: They speak different languages among themselves)
• French - Il faut laisser les choses en marche quand elles ont fonctionné (Translation: You should let things happen when they work)
• Italian - Siamo qui solo per prendere un po' di pace (Translation: We are here only to take a little peace)
• German - Es ist nicht geraten, eine Mauer zu bauen, für die man sich überhaupt keine Erwartungen machen sollte (Translation: It is not advisable to build a wall that you should have no expectations for)
• Russian - Люди никогда не знают, что случится домой (Translation: People never know what will happen at home)

Similar Idioms

• leg it

• so so

• a shot in the dark