Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Very unlikely; an expression of strong disbelief or skepticism: This idiom is used to emphatically state that something is not true or is highly improbable. It functions as an adverbial phrase expressing doubt or rejection of a statement.

Usage Examples

• Adverb: (This expresses strong disbelief that he will actually finish on time.) (This forcefully contradicts her claim.) (This sarcastically indicates the speaker thinks a promotion is very unlikely.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used as an exclamation or a standalone retort to express incredulity. It is informal and often used for humorous or sarcastic effect.
• It can sometimes be shortened in casual speech to simply "pig's eye!" as an interjection of disbelief.

Variants and Related Words

• "In a pig's ear": A less common, synonymous variant with the same meaning.
• "When pigs fly": A related idiom meaning the same thing ("very unlikely" or "never"), but structured as a conditional phrase (e.g., "I'll believe that when pigs fly").

Synonyms

• Not a chance: Expresses that something is impossible.
• No way: A strong, informal expression of disbelief or refusal.
• Highly improbable: A more formal way to state something is very unlikely.

Related Idioms

• "Yeah, right": A sarcastic phrase used to show you do not believe what someone has said.
• "Tell me another one": A way of saying you think someone is telling a lie or an unbelievable story.

Adverb

1. very unlikely