The idiom “When pigs fly” is often used in English to indicate that something is highly unlikely or will never happen. This idiom is essential for IELTS aspirants not only because of its idiomatic value but also for expanding vocabulary and improving comprehension skills.
Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Impossible (ɪmˈpɑːsəbl) – adjective: not able to occur, exist, or be done
- Example: “Climbing that mountain is impossible for me.”
- Unlikely (ʌnˈlaɪkli) – adjective: not expected to happen
- Example: “It is unlikely that he will arrive on time.”
- Far-fetched (fɑːrˈfɛtʃt) – adjective: improbable
- Example: “His idea seems very far-fetched.”
- Never (ˈnɛvər) – adverb: not at any time
- Example: “She will never agree to this proposal.”
- Out of the question (aʊt əv ðə ˈkwɛsʧən) – idiom: not possible or allowed
- Example: “Leaving early is out of the question.”
- Certain (ˈsɜːrtən) – adjective: known for sure; established beyond doubt (Antonym)
- Example: “It is certain that we will succeed.”
- Likely (ˈlaɪkli) – adjective: such as well might happen (Antonym)
- Example: “It is likely that it will rain tomorrow.”
- Probable (ˈprɒbəbl) – adjective: likely to happen (Antonym)
- Example: “It is probable that she will win the race.”
Definition and Pronunciation
Meaning and Pronunciation
When pigs fly (/wɛn pɪgz flaɪ/) is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that will never happen or is extremely unlikely. The idiom derives from the absurd image of pigs flying, which is something that cannot occur in reality.
Different Usages
Though primarily used to express impossibility, the context in which this idiom is used can vary, often lending a humorous or sarcastic tone to the conversation.
Example Sentences:
- “I’ll finish my project when pigs fly.”
- “He’ll wake up early for class when pigs fly.”
- “You will get any help from him when pigs fly.”
- “They will change their decision when pigs fly.”
- “She’ll date him when pigs fly.”
Notice how in each sentence, “when pigs fly” is used to stress the improbability of an event happening.
Importance in IELTS
Usage in IELTS Exams
Idiomatic expressions and phrases can significantly enhance your score in both the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS exam. The idiom “When pigs fly” can be particularly useful in making your language sound more natural and fluent.
Examples in Response to IELTS Questions:
-
Speaking Test – Part 3:
- Question: “Do you think it’s common for people to read books nowadays?”
- Answer: “I believe it is quite rare nowadays. In fact, seeing someone engrossed in a book is as rare as seeing pigs fly.”
-
Writing Task 2:
- Essay Topic: “Some people believe that social media use is not beneficial for society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- How to incorporate: “While some argue that social media has numerous benefits, I think those who believe it causes no harm might as well expect pigs to fly.”
Practical Use and Examples
Integrate this idiom seamlessly into your daily conversations, academic essays, and attempts to practice speaking for the IELTS exam:
- Daily Conversations: “She will stop complaining about work when pigs fly.”
- Academic Essay: “Achieving consensus on global warming solutions can feel like waiting for pigs to fly.”
Related Idioms and Expressions
Here are a few idioms with similar meanings that can diversify your vocabulary further:
- Once in a blue moon – Very rarely
- “Meeting someone like her happens once in a blue moon.”
- Snowball’s chance in hell – No chance at all
- “He has a snowball’s chance in hell of making it to the finals.”
- Not in a million years – Not ever
- “She would not marry him in a million years.”
- Fat chance – Very little or no chance
- “There’s a fat chance that he’ll come to the party.”
- Needle in a haystack – Something hard to find
- “Finding your lost ring in this chaos is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
- Over my dead body – Not going to happen
- “He will marry my daughter over my dead body.”
- Buckley’s chance – (Australian) no chance at all
- “They have Buckley’s chance of winning the game.”
- Pie in the sky – An unrealistic hope
- “His dreams of becoming a movie star are just pie in the sky.”
- When hell freezes over – Never
- “I’ll apologize to him when hell freezes over.”
Conclusion
Mastering idioms like “When pigs fly” is a crucial part of achieving a high band score in the IELTS exam. Not only do they make your language more colorful and expressive, but they also demonstrate a nuanced understanding of English, setting you apart from other test-takers. Don’t wait for pigs to fly; start incorporating idioms into your practice routine now to see a significant improvement in your IELTS performance.