The Village Idiom

under no circumstances

The idiom "under no circumstances" means that something is absolutely forbidden or impossible, regardless of any situation or condition.

Filed under U

In a sentence

  • The company policy states that under no circumstances should employees share confidential information with anyone outside the organization.
  • Under no circumstances should you ever play with fire, as it can lead to serious injuries.
  • The teacher made it very clear to the students that under no circumstances would late assignments be accepted.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "under no circumstances" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means that something is absolutely not possible or allowable, regardless of the circumstances. It is a strong and emphatic denial or prohibition. The phrase emphasizes a steadfast and conviction towards a decision or outcome, leaving no room for exceptions or deviations. It is often used to highlight the seriousness of a situation and the speaker's stern position.

In addition, "under no circumstances" is a fixed expression that cannot be rearranged or altered without changing its meaning. It is used in various contexts, including legal, formal, and informal settings. It is important to use the phrase appropriately to accurately convey the desired message and avoid misunderstandings.

Interestingly, the origins of the idiom are not easily traceable. It is a collocation of words that have evolved over time to form a distinct idiomatic expression. The phrase can be traced back to the mid-19th century and has since become firmly established in the English language.

The idiom can be expressed in slightly different variations, such as "never under any circumstances" or "under absolutely no circumstances." These variations strengthen the intensity and definitiveness of the expression.

By no means is a related idiom that carries a similar meaning to "under no circumstances." It signifies that something is definitely not possible or allowed, regardless of the situation. It is used to emphasize an absolute denial or prohibition, just like "under no circumstances."

Not by any means is another related idiom that conveys the same idea as "under no circumstances." It indicates that something is not possible or allowable in any way or manner, regardless of the circumstances. It is another expression that emphasizes an absolute denial or prohibition.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.