When Pigs Fly

Would you like to use this image? Click here to use it.

A visit to Wikipedia resulted in me learning a new word, adynaton and an apt description of the phrase “When pigs fly”.

“The phrase “when pigs fly” (alternatively, “pigs might fly”) is an adynaton—a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility. The implication of such a phrase is that the circumstances in question (the adynaton, and the circumstances to which the adynaton is being applied) will never occur. The phrase has been used in various forms since the 1600s as a sarcastic remark.” (Wikipedia)

I have caught myself reflecting on many recent events when I had uttered this phrase and been proven dead wrong…to my dismay…and also in other circumstances… to my delight! I am grateful that pigs may never literally fly, because that would be very messy for those below, and I am grateful that individuals and groups continue to strive to do the seemingly impossible in spite of the sarcastic naysayers.