What does “When hell freezes over” mean?
"When hell freezes over" means that something will never happen.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'll clean my room when hell freezes over.
Example
He said he would apologize when hell freezes over.
Example
I'll trust him again when hell freezes over
Is “When hell freezes over” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“When hell freezes over” 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 “When hell freezes over” effectively in context?
You can use "When hell freezes over" to express that something will never happen, emphasizing its impossibility. For example, if someone asks you to do something you strongly disagree with, you might respond, 'I'll do that when hell freezes over.'
- 1Refusing a Request
When asked to lend him money again, she replied, 'I'll do that when hell freezes over.'
- 2Expressing Doubt
When he promised to change his behavior, she said, 'I'll trust him again when hell freezes over.'
- 3Making a Promise
When challenged to clean his room, he defiantly declared, 'I'll clean my room when hell freezes over.'
Similar phrases to “When hell freezes over”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “When hell freezes over” come from?
The origin of the phrase "When hell freezes over" is unknown.
Is “When hell freezes over” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "When hell freezes over" is a well-known and frequently used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express strong disbelief or refusal.
What tone does “When hell freezes over” have?
"When hell freezes over" conveys a tone of defiance and certainty. It's often used to assert that something is impossible or highly unlikely to occur.
Can “When hell freezes over” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "When hell freezes over" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. In formal situations, it may be more appropriate to use alternative expressions to convey the same meaning.
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, 'I'll apologize when hell freezes over.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'When hell freezes over!' to express strong disbelief or refusal.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- never in a million years
- not in a million years
- no chance
- absolutely not
- under no circumstances
