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1-
not / never in a thousand years
2-
a snowball's chance in hell
3-
a trip to the sun
4-
for love or money
5-
pie in the sky
6-
by any stretch (of the imagination)
7-
no way
8-
the ship has (long) sailed
9-
to ill afford something
10-
point of no return
11-
out of the question
12-
when chickens have teeth
13-
when hell freezes over
14-
cold day in hell
15-
when two Sundays meet
16-
over one's dead body
17-
to cry for the moon
18-
off the table
19-
castle in the air
20-
no-go
{not|never} in a (thousand|million|billion) years
not / never in a thousand years
fráze
uk flag
/nˌɑːt ɪn ɐ mˈɪliən θˈaʊzənd bˈɪliən jˈɪɹz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to say that the chances of something happening or being true are very slim

example
Příklad
Click on words
I would not go back to that restaurant in a million years, the service was terrible.
She would never forgive him in a billion years after what he did.
What is the origin of the idiom "not in a million years" and when to use it?

The phrase "not in a million years" is an idiom used to express extreme certainty that something will never happen. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely emerged from the idea that a million years is an incredibly long time, making the occurrence of a particular event extremely unlikely.

a snowball's chance in hell
a snowball's chance in hell
fráze
uk flag
/ɐ snˈoʊbɔːlz tʃˈæns ɪn hˈɛl/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

the slightest chance of something happening or being true

What is the origin of the idiom "a snowball's chance in hell" and when to use it?

The phrase "a snowball's chance in hell" is an idiom used to describe a situation where something has virtually no chance of success or survival. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the idea that a snowball would quickly melt in the extreme heat of hell, emphasizing the extreme improbability of success in unfavorable circumstances.

a trip to the sun
a trip to the sun
fráze
uk flag
/ɐ tɹˈɪp tə ðə sˈʌn/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

something that seems impossible to occur

What is the origin of the idiom "a trip to the sun" and when to use it?

The phrase "a trip to the sun" is an idiomatic expression that signifies an impossible or absurd endeavor. It's used to emphasize that a proposed action or idea is so unrealistic or unattainable that it's akin to suggesting a journey to the sun, which is physically impossible. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely developed from the impracticality of reaching the sun due to its extreme heat and the technological limitations of space travel.

for love (or|nor) money
for love or money
fráze
uk flag
/fɔːɹ lˈʌv ɔːɹ nˈɔːɹ mˈʌni/
N/A

N/A

used to refer to something that cannot be done or obtained in any way

pie in the sky
pie in the sky
fráze
uk flag
/pˈaɪ ɪnðə skˈaɪ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

something that is very good or desirable but highly unlikely to happen or be real

What is the origin of the idiom "pie in the sky" and when to use it?

The idiom "pie in the sky" originated in the early 20th century, and it is often attributed to labor union songs and slogans. It has been used to describe an idea or promise of something wonderful or beneficial that is highly unlikely to materialize, much like a pie that is in the sky is out of reach.

by (any|no) stretch (of the imagination|)
by any stretch (of the imagination)
fráze
uk flag
/baɪ ˌɛni nˈoʊ stɹˈɛtʃ ʌvðɪ ɪmˌædʒᵻnˈeɪʃən/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to refer to something that is impossible or is extremely hard to imagine or obtain

What is the origin of the idiom "by any stretch of the imagination" and when to use it?

The phrase "by any stretch of the imagination" is used to qualify the degree to which something is true, feasible, or possible. When "no" is included, it implies that there is absolutely no way to consider something as true or possible. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it's a common expression used to emphasize the necessity or impossibility of a situation when assessing it from various perspectives.

no way
no way
fráze
uk flag
/nˈoʊ wˈeɪ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to indicate that something is impossible, unacceptable, or absolutely will not happen under any conditions

What is the origin of the idiom "no way" and when to use it?

The idiom "no way" is an informal expression that signifies strong disbelief, refusal, or a sense of impossibility. While its precise origin is not documented, it has become a widely used colloquial term in everyday language.

(the|that) ship has (long|) sailed
the ship has (long) sailed
věta
uk flag
/ðɪ ɔːɹ ðæt ʃˈɪp hɐz lˈɑːŋ ɔːɹ sˈeɪld/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to say that an offer or possibility is not renewable or available any more

What is the origin of the idiom "the ship has sailed" and when to use it?

The phrase "the ship has sailed" is an idiom used to convey that an opportunity or a chance for a particular action or event has passed, and it is no longer feasible or relevant. The origin of this phrase relates to the idea that once a ship has departed from a harbor, it becomes increasingly difficult or impossible to catch up to it.

to ill afford {sth}
to ill afford something
fráze
uk flag
/ˈɪl ɐfˈoːɹd ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to be unable to do or finish something without being harmed or suffering its consequences

What is the origin of the idiom "ill afford something" and when to use it?

The idiom "ill afford something" is used to indicate that someone or something cannot bear the burden of a particular action, cost, or responsibility due to financial constraints or unfavorable circumstances. The origin of this phrase can be traced to the idea of financial hardship and the ability to withstand or manage expenses.

point of no return
point of no return
fráze
uk flag
/pˈɔɪnt ʌv nˈoʊ ɹɪtˈɜːn/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

the time when it becomes impossible for one to return to a previous place or state or to make a different decision

What is the origin of the idiom "point of no return" and when to use it?

The idiom "point of no return" is originated from aviation and navigation, referring to the point in a journey where it becomes impossible to turn back without significant consequences. In a broader sense, it is used to describe a critical moment or decision after which it is impossible to change course, and one must continue with a particular action, plan, or commitment, regardless of the consequences.

out of the question
out of the question
fráze
uk flag
/ˌaʊɾəv ðə kwˈɛstʃən/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

not allowed or possible

What is the origin of the idiom "out of the question" and when to use it?

The idiom "out of the question" is used to convey that something is not even a possibility, is completely unfeasible, or is definitively not allowed or considered. Its origin is not precisely documented, but it's a common expression used to emphasize that a particular idea, plan, or action is ruled out from the start, without any chance of happening.

when chickens have teeth
when chickens have teeth
fráze
uk flag
/wˌɛn tʃˈɪkɪnz hæv tˈiːθ/
N/A

N/A

Humorous
Idiom
Informal

said to mean that it is impossible for something to ever happen

What is the origin of the idiom "when chickens have teeth" and when to use it?

The phrase "when chickens have teeth" is an idiom that is used to express the idea that something is so unlikely to happen that it is virtually impossible. It is often used to emphasize the extreme improbability of a situation or event.

when hell freezes over
when hell freezes over
věta
uk flag
/wˌɛn hˈɛl fɹˈiːzɪz ˈoʊvɚ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to express disbelief in something happening

What is the origin of the idiom "when hell freezes over" and when to use it?

The phrase "when hell freezes over" is an idiom used to convey the idea that something is so unlikely or impossible that it will never occur. The expression likely stems from the perception that hell, being a place of extreme heat and torment, could only freeze over in the most unimaginable and improbable circumstances.

cold day in hell
cold day in hell
fráze
uk flag
/kˈoʊld dˈeɪ ɪn hˈɛl/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used for saying that it is completely unlikely that something ever happens

What is the origin of the idiom "a cold day in hell" and when to use it?

The phrase "a cold day in hell" is an idiom used to express that something is extremely unlikely or improbable. While its precise origin is not documented, it has been in use since at least the early 20th century and is derived from the feelings of skepticism, doubt, or a sense of improbability.

when two Sundays meet
when two Sundays meet
věta
uk flag
/wˌɛn tˈuː sˈʌndeɪz mˈiːt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to say that one thinks that something will never happen

What is the origin of the idiom "when two Sundays meet" and when to use it?

The phrase "when two Sundays meet" is an idiom that signifies an event that is incredibly rare or virtually impossible. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it likely evolved from the idea that two Sundays can never occur back-to-back in the same week, emphasizing the extreme improbability of the mentioned event.

over {one's} dead (body|corpse)
over one's dead body
fráze
uk flag
/ˌoʊvɚ wˈʌnz dˈɛd bˈɑːdi ɔːɹ kˈɔːɹps/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to show that one will do whatever one can to stop something from happening

What is the origin of the idiom "over one's dead body" and when to use it?

The phrase "over one's dead body" is an idiom that is used to show strong opposition or resistance to a particular idea, plan, or action. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century and is likely rooted in the idea that even in death, a person's body remains an obstacle to the unwanted action.

to [cry] for the moon
to cry for the moon
fráze
uk flag
/kɹˈaɪ fɚðə mˈuːn/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to desire what cannot be achieved

What is the origin of the idiom "cry for the moon" and when to use it?

The phrase "cry for the moon" is an idiom that means to make an unreasonable or extravagant request or demand, often one that is unattainable or impractical. The origin of this expression can be traced back to the idea that crying for the moon, a celestial body out of reach, is akin to asking for something impossible.

off the table
off the table
fráze
uk flag
/impractical/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

(of a proposal, topic, or offer) unavailable or incapable of being considered

What is the origin of the idiom "off the table" and when to use it?

The idiom "off the table" is used to indicate that a particular option, plan, or proposal has been eliminated, excluded, or is no longer under consideration. While its exact origin is not documented, it likely stems from the idea of removing something from the table during a discussion, emphasizing that it is no longer on the list of possibilities.

castle in the (air|sky)
castle in the air
fráze
uk flag
/kˈæsəl ɪnðɪ ˈɛɹ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a hope or wish that cannot be realized or fulfilled

What is the origin of the idiom "castle in the air" and when to use it?

The phrase "castle in the air" is an idiom that refers to a daydream or a fanciful and impractical idea or plan that is unlikely to be realized. The expression likely originated from the idea that castles, traditionally built on solid ground, cannot exist in the air or the sky, emphasizing the unrealistic nature of the described situation or aspiration.

no-go
no-go
Přídavné jméno
uk flag
/ˈnoʊˌɡoʊ/
(nerealizovatelný)

(nerealizovatelný)

nepřípustný

Idiom
Informal

used to emphasize that something is completely impossible or prohibited

What is the origin of the idiom "no-go" and when to use it?

The idiom "no-go" is an informal expression that is used to convey that a plan, idea, or situation is not possible, will not work, or is prohibited. It originates from the aviation industry, where "go" means the aircraft is cleared for takeoff.

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