Ever heard someone say “That’ll happen when pigs fly”? It’s a classic way of describing something that will never happen. But did you know there are hundreds of other funny sayings just like it?
Language is full of colorful and humorous sayings that add wit and charm to conversations. One of the most well-known expressions is “when pigs fly,” meaning something so unlikely that it will never happen. But did you know there are many other hilarious sayings just like it?
From phrases that mock impossibilities to sayings that exaggerate foolishness, these expressions make everyday conversations more entertaining.
In this article, you’ll find over 100+ funny sayings like when pigs fly, along with their meanings and origins.
👉 What You’ll Learn in This Post:
✔️ The best sayings about impossibility
✔️ Funny idioms about foolishness
✔️ Hilarious exaggerations and comparisons
✔️ International phrases with similar meanings
In This Article
Sayings About Impossible or Unlikely Events
These sayings describe situations that are so far-fetched, they’ll never happen—just like pigs soaring through the sky!
Popular Expressions About Impossibilities
| Saying | Meaning |
| “When pigs fly” | Something that will never happen. |
| “When hell freezes over” | An event that is impossible or extremely unlikely. |
| “Not in a million years” | Will never happen, no matter how much time passes. |
| “When frogs grow hair” | An absurd idea, impossible to happen. |
| “When chickens have teeth” | Another way to say something will never happen. |
| “As likely as finding a needle in a haystack” | Almost impossible to achieve or find. |
| “When my ship comes in” | A humorous way of saying “if I ever get rich” (usually when it’s unlikely). |
| “When donkeys fly” | A variation of “when pigs fly,” meaning never. |
| “When fish climb trees” | Describes something absurdly impossible. |
| “When cows dance” | A humorous way of expressing impossibility. |
Case Study: The Origins of “When Pigs Fly”
This phrase has been around for centuries and was first recorded in Scottish literature in the 1600s. Writers like Lewis Carroll and Mark Twain have used variations of the expression in their works. It remains one of the most popular idioms in English today.
Sayings About Foolish or Unwise Behavior
Some phrases humorously describe people who lack common sense or intelligence. These expressions are often used in a lighthearted or sarcastic way.
Hilarious Sayings About Foolishness
| Saying | Meaning |
| “Not the sharpest tool in the shed” | Someone who isn’t very intelligent. |
| “A few fries short of a Happy Meal” | A humorous way to say someone isn’t very bright. |
| “Has a screw loose” | Implies someone is acting irrationally or oddly. |
| “Not playing with a full deck” | Suggests a lack of intelligence or awareness. |
| “The lights are on, but nobody’s home” | Someone who looks alert but isn’t mentally present. |
| “Elevator doesn’t go to the top floor” | A funny way to say someone isn’t very smart. |
| “As smart as a bag of rocks” | A humorous way to describe someone lacking intelligence. |
| “One sandwich short of a picnic” | Another way to say someone isn’t very bright. |
| “Dumb as a box of hair” | A phrase emphasizing extreme foolishness. |
| “All foam, no beer” | Someone who talks big but lacks intelligence. |
Case Study: The Psychology Behind These Sayings
Many of these expressions originated as jokes, but they also highlight how humor is used to soften criticism. Studies in linguistics suggest that people use humorous phrases to make insults more socially acceptable and entertaining.
Sayings About Unlucky or Unsuccessful People
Some people always seem to have bad luck, and there are plenty of humorous sayings to describe these situations.
Funny Expressions About Bad Luck
| Saying | Meaning |
| “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all” | Someone who always experiences bad luck. |
| “Couldn’t catch a cold in winter” | A humorous way to say someone is extremely unlucky. |
| “Up the creek without a paddle” | Stuck in a bad situation with no way out. |
| “Running on fumes” | Completely exhausted but still going. |
| “A day late and a dollar short” | Always behind or missing out on opportunities. |
| “If it’s raining soup, I’d have a fork” | Someone so unlucky they even fail in good situations. |
| “Always betting on the wrong horse” | Consistently making bad decisions. |
| “Born under a bad sign” | Someone who has bad luck from birth. |
| “Can’t win for losing” | No matter what they do, things go wrong. |
| “Luckier than a cat in a dog park” | Sarcastically saying someone is extremely unlucky. |
Quote: The Truth About Luck
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca
While these sayings poke fun at bad luck, they also remind us that effort and persistence often determine success more than luck alone.
Sayings About Exaggeration and Absurdity
Sometimes, the best way to describe a situation is through humorous exaggeration. These sayings paint a vivid picture and make storytelling more engaging.
Hilarious Expressions That Go Over the Top
| Saying | Meaning |
| “Busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest” | Extremely busy or overwhelmed. |
| “Sweating like a sinner in church” | Someone feeling nervous or guilty. |
| “Happier than a pig in mud” | Extremely happy and content. |
| “Madder than a wet hen” | Very angry. |
| “As useless as a screen door on a submarine” | Something completely pointless. |
| “Colder than a well digger’s boots” | Extremely cold weather or situation. |
| “Slicker than a greased pig” | Someone or something very slippery or tricky. |
| “Dumber than a box of rocks” | Someone extremely foolish. |
| “Tighter than a frog’s butt, and that’s waterproof” | Someone very stingy or frugal. |
| “Like trying to push a rope” | Something frustrating or impossible to do. |
Case Study: The Power of Hyperbole in Language
Exaggeration is a powerful rhetorical tool used in humor, literature, and everyday speech. Mark Twain was famous for using hyperbole to make his stories more entertaining. These sayings work because they take something ordinary and make it sound extreme.
Sayings About Weird Comparisons
These sayings compare two unrelated things in a funny and unexpected way, making them memorable and entertaining.
Quirky Sayings That Don’t Make Sense (But Work Anyway!)
| Saying | Meaning |
| “Like herding cats” | Trying to manage a chaotic situation. |
| “Like putting lipstick on a pig” | Trying to make something bad look good. |
| “Like a bull in a china shop” | Someone who is very clumsy. |
| “Like a deer in the headlights” | Someone frozen in fear or surprise. |
| “Like nailing Jello to a wall” | Something impossible or frustrating to do. |
| “Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands” | Something incredibly difficult. |
| “Like a screen door on a submarine” | Something completely useless. |
| “Like a turtle on roller skates” | Someone or something moving awkwardly. |
| “Like two peas in a pod” | Two people who are very similar. |
| “Like a fish out of water” | Someone who feels out of place. |
Quote: Why These Sayings Stick
“The best phrases make you pause and think, then laugh at how true they are.” — Anonymous
The power of analogies in these expressions makes them incredibly effective. By connecting two unrelated ideas, they create vivid mental images that make language more engaging.
More Funny Sayings Like When Pigs Fly
Now that we’ve covered the most common categories, let’s explore even more hilarious expressions from different cultures and regions.
International Sayings That Are Just as Funny
| Saying (Origin) | Meaning |
| “When the crayfish whistles on the mountain” (Russian) | Something that will never happen. |
| “A cat’s jump” (German) | Something that is very close. |
| “As useful as a chocolate teapot” (British) | Something completely impractical. |
| “Like a hedgehog in a balloon factory” (French) | Someone in a dangerous or delicate situation. |
| “Must have fallen on his head as a baby” (Australian) | Describing someone who lacks intelligence. |
Many of these expressions don’t translate directly, but their humor remains universal. Different cultures have their own ways of expressing impossibility, foolishness, and exaggeration.
In Summary
From “when pigs fly” to “like nailing Jello to a wall,” funny sayings make everyday conversations more entertaining and colorful. These phrases have been passed down through generations, adding humor and wit to language.
👉 Which of these sayings is your favorite? Do you know any funny expressions that aren’t on this list? Share them in the comments!
By using humor in our speech, we not only make language more interesting but also create connections through shared laughter. So next time someone makes an impossible request, just smile and say, “Sure, when pigs fly!” 🚀🐷