Cool MateImpossible vs When pigs fly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Impossible | When pigs fly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Not able to happen or be done. | Something that will never happen. |
| Register | - | informal |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Usage notes | Use 'impossible' to describe something that cannot be achieved. It’s suitable for both spoken and written English but may be too strong in polite contexts. | Used to express that something is impossible or very unlikely. More appropriate in casual conversation than in formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Impossible vs When pigs fly
What's the difference between "Impossible" and "When pigs fly"?
"Impossible" means: Not able to happen or be done. "When pigs fly" means: Something that will never happen.
When should I use "Impossible" and "When pigs fly"?
"When pigs fly" is informal.