not in a million: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘not in a million’ mean?
The idiom "not in a million" means that something is extremely unlikely to happen or be true. It emphasizes the strong improbability of a certain event occurring or a specific situation being valid.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "what are the odds" is used to express surprise or disbelief about the likelihood of something happening. It suggests that the chances of that particular event occurring are very low or unexpected.
The idiom "outside chance" means a very small probability or possibility of something happening.
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently.
The idiom "once in a purple moon" means something that happens extremely rarely or almost never.
The idiom "not in the least" means not at all or not in any way. It is used to emphasize that something is not even slightly true or important.
The idiom "not in a million years" means that something is extremely unlikely to happen or be true.
The idiom "nothing doing" is used to express refusal or a lack of willingness to do something. It can also indicate that something is not going to happen or is unlikely to be successful.
The idiom "not grow on trees" means that something is not easily obtainable or readily available.
The idiom "not for the world" is used to indicate that someone strongly refuses to do something, no matter what the circumstances or incentives may be.
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.
Uncountable Decoding
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.
Another related idiom is "never in a million years." This phrase adds the word "never" to further emphasize the speaker's disbelief or certainty. By saying "never in a million years," the speaker is expressing an even stronger conviction that the event will never happen.
Similarly, the idiom "not a chance" is also closely related to "not in a million." Both phrases convey a sense of strong disbelief or certainty that something will not occur. "Not a chance" is often used to express a complete lack of possibility or likelihood of a particular event happening.
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.
The idioms "not in a million years," "never in a million years," and "not a chance" are closely related to the idiom "not in a million." These phrases all convey a strong disbelief or certainty that something will not happen. They are commonly used in informal, conversational situations to emphasize the speaker's point and evoke a strong emotional response. When using these idioms, it is important to consider the context and the tone of the conversation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "not in a million" can be used 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.
More "Hyperbole" idioms
