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When pigs fly

Posted by Bob on September 15, 2000

In Reply to: When pigs fly posted by ESC on September 14, 2000

: : What is the origin and the full context of this phrase? I've tried most of the on-line phrase and fable references but can't seem to find the information I seek.

: : Thanks in anticipation

: : Carolyn

: "IF A PIG HAD WINGS, IT COULD FLY - What you say is just wishful thinking; it can never happen. The saying has been traced back to 'Proverbs of Scotland' . The Walrus in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll questioned 'whether pigs had wings.' First attested in the United States in 'Green Thicket World' by H. Vines. The adage is found in varying forms: If a pig (pigs) had wings, one could fly; If that happens, then pigs can fly; When pigs fly, that's when, etc. It may be reversed: Pigs could fly if they had wings. As a rejoinder to the suggestion that something impossible may happen, it is usually abbreviated to 'when pigs fly' or 'if bunny rabbits grow wings.'." From the Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).

The Russians also talk about "when shrimps whistle." And an old poker playing friend recited the ditty "if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas." And the venerable "if wishes were horses then beggars would ride."

See also: the meaning and origin of 'when pigs fly'.

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