till hell freezes over

Idioms and Phrases

Forever, as in They said they'd go on searching till hell freezes over, but I'm sure they'll give up soon . This hyperbolic expression dates from the early 1900s. So does its antonym, not till hell freezes over , meaning “never,” as in I'm not giving in, not until hell freezes over .

Example Sentences

You've been living on the Union, and I suppose you think you can go on living on it till hell freezes over.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't suppose we'll leave here till hell freezes over," said Meadville, who was doing up the last strap on his pack.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, if they want to wait for me to be nasty to Tonet, they can wait till hell freezes over.

From Project Gutenberg