not in a million
Filed under N
In a sentence
- He is so cautious, he would not take that risk not in a million years.
- She is so picky, she would not in a million lifetimes agree to go on a blind date.
- I'm confident that this company not in a million chances will invest in such a high-risk project.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "not in a million years" is closely related to "not in a million." Both phrases share a similar structure and convey a similar meaning of expressing strong disbelief or certainty that something will not happen. The addition of "years" in "not in a million years" emphasizes the length of time over which the speaker believes the event will not occur.
When using these related idioms, it is important to consider the context and tone of the conversation. These phrases are typically used in informal or casual situations where the speaker wants to emphasize their disbelief or certainty. They can be used in a variety of contexts, such as expressing doubt about a potential outcome, rejecting a proposal or suggestion, or expressing a strong aversion towards something.
For example, someone might say "I would never lend him money, not in a million years!" to emphasize their strong belief that lending money to that person is highly unlikely. Similarly, someone might say "There's not a chance I'm going to that party!" to express a complete lack of interest or willingness to attend the party.
When using these idioms, it is important to be mindful of the tone and register of the conversation. While they are informal and conversational, they may not be appropriate in all situations. It is always a good idea to consider the context and the audience before using these idioms in conversation or writing.
Neighbouring idioms
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.