What does “Not a snowball's chance in hell” mean?
"Not a snowball's chance in hell" means there is absolutely no possibility or chance of something happening.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I have not a snowball's chance in hell of winning the lottery.
Example
There's not a snowball's chance in hell that I'll be able to finish this project by tomorrow.
Example
He has not a snowball's chance in hell of convincing her to change her mind
Is “Not a snowball's chance in hell” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Not 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 “Not a snowball's chance in hell” effectively in context?
You can use "Not a snowball's chance in hell" to express that there is no possibility or chance of something happening. It emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of a particular outcome. For example, if someone asks if you think they will win the lottery, you might respond, 'I'm sorry, but you have not a snowball's chance in hell of winning.'
- 1Hopelessness
After failing all the exams, he knew he had not a snowball's chance in hell of passing the course.
- 2Impossibility
With the limited resources available, there was not a snowball's chance in hell that they could complete the project on time.
- 3Resistance
Despite his best efforts, he had not a snowball's chance in hell of convincing her to change her mind.
Similar phrases to “Not a snowball's chance in hell”:
A task or goal that is extremely difficult or impossible to achieve
Example
Completing the project within the given timeframe is a mission impossible.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Not a snowball's chance in hell” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Not a snowball's chance in hell" is unknown.
Is “Not a snowball's chance in hell” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Not a snowball's chance in hell" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize the extreme unlikelihood of a particular outcome.
What tone does “Not a snowball's chance in hell” have?
"Not a snowball's chance in hell" conveys a tone of hopelessness and impossibility. It is often used when expressing doubt or disbelief about the likelihood of something happening.
Can “Not a snowball's chance in hell” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Not a snowball's chance in hell" is more informal and may not be suitable for very formal situations. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'There's not a snowball's chance in hell that I'll be able to finish this project by tomorrow.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'No way! "Not a snowball's chance in hell"!' to express disbelief or impossibility.
