What does “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” mean?
"A Snowball's Chance in Hell" means there is a very small or unlikely chance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I have a snowball's chance in hell of winning the lottery.
Example
There's a snowball's chance in hell that he'll change his mind.
Example
She has a snowball's chance in hell of passing the exam without studying
Is “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” effectively in context?
You can use "A Snowball's Chance in Hell" to express that something has a very small or unlikely chance of happening. It emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of a positive outcome. For example, if someone asks if you think they'll win the lottery, you might respond, 'I'm sorry, but you have "a snowball's chance in hell" of winning.'
- 1Probability
Given his lack of experience, there's a snowball's chance in hell that he'll get the job.
- 2Opinion
She has a snowball's chance in hell of convincing him to change his mind.
- 3Academic Performance
Without studying, she has a snowball's chance in hell of passing the exam.
Similar phrases to “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A Snowball's Chance in Hell" is unknown.
Is “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” common in everyday conversation?
"A Snowball's Chance in Hell" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize the extreme unlikelihood of a positive outcome.
What tone does “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” have?
"A Snowball's Chance in Hell" conveys a tone of skepticism and disbelief. It's often used to express doubt or to dismiss the possibility of something happening.
Can “A Snowball’s Chance in Hell” be used in informal and formal settings?
"A Snowball's Chance in Hell" is an informal expression commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'There's "a snowball's chance in hell" that he'll change his mind.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'No way, "a snowball's chance in hell"!' to express extreme doubt.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- slim chance
- long shot
- faint hope
- remote possibility
- unlikely event
Antonyms
- good chance
- high probability
- likely outcome
- promising opportunity
- realistic possibility
