“When pigs fly” is an idiom in English that essentially means “never” or refers to something that is highly unlikely to happen. In the context of the IELTS examination, idioms like this can be very useful for candidates aiming to achieve a higher band score, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here, we will delve into the meaning and usage of “when pigs fly”, and how employing this idiom can improve your IELTS performance.
Synonyms and Related Idioms:
- (Idioms):
- When hell freezes over
- Not in a million years
- (Adjectives/Related Words):
- Improbable [ɪmˈprɒbəbl] (adjective) – Unlikely to happen
Example: The likelihood of her winning the lottery is improbable. - Unlikely [ʌnˈlaɪkli] (adjective) – Not probable
Example: It is unlikely that he will arrive on time. - Far-fetched [fɑː fɛtʃt] (adjective) – Not easily believable
Example: The story he told was too far-fetched to be true.
- Improbable [ɪmˈprɒbəbl] (adjective) – Unlikely to happen
Main Content
Meaning and Pronunciation of “When Pigs Fly”
“When pigs fly” /wɛn pɪgz flaɪ/ – This idiom originates from the idea that pigs cannot fly, thus it is used to highlight the impossibility or improbability of an event or situation occurring.
Usage in IELTS Examination
Speaking Section:
The idiom “when pigs fly” can effectively be used to express skepticism or disbelief. Using idioms appropriately can demonstrate a higher level of language competence, thus potentially improving your band score.
Example:
Interviewer: Do you think it’s possible that humans will colonize Mars within the next decade?”
Candidate: “I think the chances of that happening are about the same as seeing pigs fly. It’s just too far-fetched at this moment.”
Writing Section:
In Essays or Reports, expressing the unlikelihood of certain events using this idiom can add variety to your language usage.
Example:
“It is often argued that climate change can be reversed quickly with minor lifestyle alterations. However, this belief is as improbable as pigs flying since significant and sustained efforts are required.”
Popularity in IELTS
While “when pigs fly” is not a phrase you will frequently encounter in IELTS Reading passages or Listening sections, using it in Speaking and Writing can elevate your expressions.
Practicing with the Idiom:
Here are some sentence structures incorporating “when pigs fly” to practice:
- “He said he would start exercising regularly, but I think that will happen when pigs fly.”
- “Investors believe the company will generate profit soon, but I believe that will happen when pigs fly.”
Combining With Other Words and Idioms
Understanding how to pair “when pigs fly” with other idiomatic expressions or vocabulary can enhance your language richness.
Related Idioms:
- When hell freezes over: Expresses something that will never happen.
Example: She will apologize when hell freezes over. - Not in a million years: Another way to say never.
Example: Not in a million years would I have expected him to win the race.
Other Even-Known Idioms:
Expanding your idiomatic expressions arsenal before the IELTS can significantly benefit your performance.
- Bite the bullet: To face a difficult situation bravely
Example: Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and finish what you started. - The last straw: The final problem in a series that makes a situation unbearable
Example: Her missing the meeting was the last straw, and I had to fire her.
Conclusion
Using idioms like “when pigs fly” can effectively demonstrate linguistic competence in the IELTS exam. It’s an excellent strategy for enhancing your speaking and writing sections. To practice, make sure you incorporate such idioms naturally in your daily conversations and writings. Remember, moderation is key; overusing idioms can sometimes make your language sound forced or unnatural.
Example IELTS Questions Involving Idioms:
- IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a situation that seemed impossible.
- IELTS Writing Task 2: Discuss a common belief and its feasibility.
Practice these examples, and make “when pigs fly” a valuable part of your IELTS vocabulary toolkit.