under no circumstances: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘under no circumstances’ mean?
The idiom "under no circumstances" means that something is absolutely forbidden or impossible, regardless of any situation or condition.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "when Hell freezes over" means that something is extremely unlikely or will never happen.
The idiom "over my dead body" is commonly used in the United States to express strong opposition or resistance to something. It carries a sense of defiance and determination, suggesting that the speaker would never allow the thing mentioned to happen, even if it means sacrificing their life.
"Out of the question" means that something is not possible or not allowed. It is typically used to emphasize that something cannot or should not be done.
The idiom "no ways" is used to express strong disbelief or refusal towards something. It indicates a firm stance or disagreement and is often used as a response to a suggestion or proposal.
The idiom "no way" is used to show strong disbelief or refusal towards something. It expresses a complete lack of possibility or chance for something to occur or be true.
The idiom "no two ways about it" means that there is only one possible way to do or think about something. It emphasizes that there are no other options or alternatives to consider.
The idiom "not on your life" means absolutely not or under no circumstances. It is used to strongly deny or reject a request or suggestion.
The idiom "not likely" means something is improbable or unlikely to happen.
The idiom "not in a million years" means that something is extremely unlikely to happen or be true.
The idiom "not by any means" means that something cannot or should not be done in any way or under any circumstances. It emphasizes the absolute impossibility or prohibition of a certain action.
Exploring Limitations
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.
The idiom "under no circumstances" is a powerful linguistic tool that denotes an absolute denial or prohibition. Its usage signifies an unwavering and unyielding stance, with no exceptions or deviations allowed. The origins of the phrase may be unclear, but it has become firmly established in the English language. Variations of the expression, such as "never under any circumstances" or "under absolutely no circumstances," further highlight the seriousness and importance of the message. By no means and not by any means serve as related idioms that carry a similar meaning to "under no circumstances." These idioms emphasize that something is definitely not possible or allowed, regardless of the situation.
Example usage
1. The company policy states that under no circumstances should employees share confidential information with anyone outside the organization.
2. Under no circumstances should you ever play with fire, as it can lead to serious injuries.
3. The teacher made it very clear to the students that under no circumstances would late assignments be accepted.
More "Negation" idioms
