when two Sundays meet: Idiom Meaning and Origin

when two Sundays come together is an idiomatic phrase that is commonly used to express the unlikelihood of a particular event or situation occurring. This idiom is thought to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century and has since become a part of colloquial English.

The exact origin of this idiom is uncertain, with various theories proposed. One theory suggests that it may be related to the rarity of two Sundays occurring in a single week in certain religious calendars. Another theory suggests that it may be derived from the notion of two Sundays meeting being an impossible or fantastical occurrence.

Regardless of its origins, the meaning of the idiom remains consistent. When two Sundays come together is used to convey the idea that a certain event or situation is highly unlikely or improbable to happen. It is often used in a sarcastic or humorous manner, highlighting the absurdity of the possibility being discussed.

For example, if someone were to say, "I'll be able to finish this project when two Sundays come together," they are expressing their doubt or skepticism that the project will ever be completed. This idiom is often employed in situations where the likelihood of something happening is perceived to be close to zero.

When two Sundays come together is not a widely recognized or commonly used idiom. It may be more prevalent in certain regions or among specific social groups. Nevertheless, its meaning and usage remain consistent across different contexts.

never in a month of Sundays is another idiomatic phrase that is closely related to when two Sundays come together. It is used to emphasize the extreme unlikelihood or impossibility of a certain event or situation occurring. Similar to when two Sundays come together, this idiom is often used in a sarcastic or humorous manner.

For example, if someone were to say, "I'll be able to afford that luxury car never in a month of Sundays," they are expressing their belief that owning the car is highly unlikely, if not impossible. The phrase adds an extra layer of emphasis to the unlikelihood already conveyed by when two Sundays come together.

When two Sundays come together and never in a month of Sundays are both unique and intriguing idioms that highlight the unlikelihood of a particular event or situation occurring. Their origins are uncertain, but their meanings and usage have remained consistent over time. While not widely recognized, these idioms provide colorful and expressive ways to convey skepticism or doubt. As with any idioms, their true meanings and significance may continue to evolve with usage and interpretation.

Another related idiom is the phrase "the second Tuesday of the week." This idiom is used to express the impossibility or extreme unlikelihood of a certain event or situation occurring. It adds an extra layer of emphasis to the unlikelihood already conveyed by when two Sundays come together and never in a month of Sundays.

For example, if someone were to say, "I'll be able to complete this task on the second Tuesday of the week," they are expressing their belief that completing the task is highly unlikely, if not impossible. The phrase is used to convey a sense of absurdity or impossibility.

When two Sundays come together, never in a month of Sundays, and the second Tuesday of the week are all idiomatic phrases that convey a sense of extremity or impossibility. They are used to emphasize the unlikelihood of a certain event or situation occurring. These idioms add color and expressiveness to everyday language and are often employed in a sarcastic or humorous manner.

cross paths is another idiom that is related to when two Sundays come together. The phrase "cross paths" is used to describe the occurrence of two people or things meeting or encountering each other. This idiom can be used metaphorically to describe chance encounters or unexpected intersections.

For example, if someone were to say, "I never thought I would cross paths with my old high school friend in this small town," they are expressing their surprise at the unexpected meeting. The phrase "cross paths" adds depth to the description of the encounter, implying that it was a rare or unlikely event.

When two Sundays come together and cross paths both convey a sense of unlikelihood or improbability. While when two Sundays come together is more focused on the overall unlikelihood of a situation, cross paths emphasizes the unexpected nature of a meeting or encounter.

once in a blue moon is another idiom related to when two Sundays come together. This phrase is used to describe something that occurs very rarely or infrequently. It adds an extra layer of emphasis to the unlikelihood already conveyed by when two Sundays come together and never in a month of Sundays.

For example, if someone were to say, "I only see my favorite band perform once in a blue moon," they are expressing the rarity of the experience. The phrase adds color and impact to the statement, highlighting the infrequency of the event.

When two Sundays come together, never in a month of Sundays, the second Tuesday of the week, cross paths, and once in a blue moon are all idiomatic phrases that express a sense of rarity, unlikelihood, or impossibility. They add depth, color, and expressiveness to everyday language, allowing speakers to convey skepticism, doubt, surprise, or extremity in a concise and memorable way.