When pigs fly, the devil is an ass.
Sounds like a line from a bad horror‑comedy, right? Yet you’ll hear it whispered in coffee shops, scribbled on meme boards, and even muttered by grandparents when someone’s promise feels as solid as a feather. It’s a mash‑up of two old sayings that, when tossed together, create a vivid picture of impossible expectations and mischievous mischief.
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at “when pigs fly,” you’re not alone. And why do people keep pulling this odd combo out of thin air? But what does the extra “devil is an ass” add? Let’s dig into the roots, the meaning, and the real‑world ways this phrase sneaks into conversation.
What Is “When Pigs Fly The Devil Is An Ass”
At its core, the phrase is a hybrid idiom.
When pigs fly – the classic way to say something will never happen. Picture a porky aeronautics display and you get the joke Still holds up..
The devil is an ass – a lesser‑known proverb that suggests the devil, a symbol of temptation or evil, is as stubborn or foolish as a donkey. In old folk tales the devil often appears as a beast of burden, outwitted by clever humans.
Put them together, and you’ve got a two‑part punchline: not only will the impossible occur, but the very embodiment of mischief will be as clueless as a mule. In practice, people use it to call out a promise that’s both unrealistic and comes from someone they suspect of having dodgy motives.
Where the Pieces Come From
- When pigs fly – First recorded in the 1600s, it popped up in English literature as a sarcastic retort. Samuel Butler used a similar line in Hudibras (1663): “The pigs shall fly, I do not doubt it.”
- The devil is an ass – Traces back to medieval European folklore. In many tales, the devil tries to bargain for a soul, only to be outwitted by a simple peasant who tricks the “ass” into doing the work. The phrase survived in proverbs like “The devil rides a donkey” in German (der Teufel reitet ein Esel).
When you hear the whole thing, it’s a shorthand for “That’ll never happen, and the person promising it is either lying or clueless.” It’s a bit of linguistic graffiti that sticks because it’s colorful, a little naughty, and instantly visual Worth keeping that in mind..
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might wonder why we should care about a quirky mash‑up. Here’s the short version: language shapes how we think, and idioms are the shortcuts our brains love.
When someone says “when pigs fly,” you instantly dismiss the claim without needing a debate. So add “the devil is an ass,” and you also flag the speaker’s credibility. In business meetings, that extra clause can be a polite way to call out unrealistic timelines without sounding outright hostile Simple, but easy to overlook..
Real‑World Impact
- Negotiations – A client says, “We’ll have the product ready next week.” A savvy vendor replies, “Sure, when pigs fly, and the devil is an ass.” It tells the client, “I’m skeptical, but I’m keeping it light.”
- Parenting – Kids love the absurd image. A parent might say, “You’ll clean your room when pigs fly, and the devil is an ass,” to set a boundary while keeping the tone playful.
- Social Media – Memes thrive on hyperbole. The phrase is perfect for captioning a photo of a clumsy attempt at something impossible, like a cat trying to use a laptop.
Because it’s both humorous and cautionary, the phrase sticks in memory. That’s why it keeps resurfacing in podcasts, TikTok videos, and even corporate training slides about “setting realistic expectations.”
How It Works (or How to Use It)
Now that we’ve covered the background, let’s get practical. How do you drop this phrase into conversation without sounding like you’re quoting a dusty proverb book?
1. Identify the Impossible Scenario
First, pinpoint the claim that feels as likely as a porky pilot. It could be a deadline, a promise, or a rumor.
Example: “Our competitor will lower prices by 50% next month.”
2. Assess the Speaker’s Motive
Ask yourself: is the person trying to sell you a dream, or are they genuinely misinformed? If there’s a hint of trickery, the “devil is an ass” part lands better.
If the sales rep is known for hype, you can add the second half.
3. Insert the Phrase Smoothly
You have two options:
- Full phrase – “That’ll happen when pigs fly, and the devil is an ass.”
- Split version – “When pigs fly? Yeah, and the devil’s an ass too.”
Both work; choose the one that matches your tone.
4. Follow Up With a Constructive Alternative
Otherwise you risk sounding dismissive. After the joke, suggest a realistic path That's the part that actually makes a difference..
“Instead of waiting for miracles, let’s map out a 12‑month plan to cut costs by 15%.”
5. Watch the Audience’s Reaction
If they laugh, you’ve hit the sweet spot. If they look confused, you may have over‑reached. In that case, briefly explain: “It’s a funny way of saying I don’t think that’ll happen Surprisingly effective..
Using It in Writing
When you’re drafting an email or a blog post, the phrase can break up dense text.
We’ll launch the new feature next quarter—when pigs fly, and the devil is an ass.
Instead, let’s aim for a Q3 rollout with a beta test in August.
The contrast between the absurdity and the concrete plan makes the message clearer and more memorable Worth keeping that in mind..
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Even seasoned speakers trip over idioms. Here are the pitfalls you’ll see most often.
Mistake #1: Mixing Up the Order
People sometimes say “the devil is an ass, when pigs fly.Still, ” That flips the emphasis and sounds like a clumsy translation. Keep the classic “when pigs fly” first; it’s the hook that signals impossibility.
Mistake #2: Overusing It
Drop the line once per conversation, not every other sentence. Repetition kills the humor and makes you sound like a broken record.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Context
In formal legal documents or academic papers, the phrase is out of place. Save it for casual talks, marketing copy, or light‑hearted content.
Mistake #4: Assuming Everyone Knows It
While the “pigs fly” half is universal, “the devil is an ass” isn’t. If your audience looks puzzled, a quick parenthetical can help: “(meaning the devil is as foolish as a donkey).”
Mistake #5: Using It to Dismiss Legitimate Concerns
If someone raises a genuine risk, the phrase can come across as flippant. Make sure you’re not silencing a valid point with a joke It's one of those things that adds up..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
Ready to wield this idiom like a pro? Here are the tactics that actually stick.
- Test the Waters – Start with a lighter version: “When pigs fly?” If they laugh, you can add the devil bit.
- Pair With a Visual – A quick sketch of a pig with wings or a donkey wearing a tiny pitchfork can cement the joke in a presentation.
- Know Your Crowd – In regions where the devil isn’t a cultural figure (e.g., some secular Asian contexts), the second half may fall flat. Swap it for a local equivalent, like “the cat’s got a PhD.”
- Use It to Reset Expectations – After the joke, state the realistic timeline. That shows you’re not just mocking, you’re guiding.
- Keep It Short – The power lies in brevity. A single sentence delivers the punch; a paragraph dilutes it.
FAQ
Q: Is “the devil is an ass” offensive?
A: Generally not. It’s a playful jab at the devil’s foolishness, not a slur. Still, gauge the audience; some religious folks might prefer a milder version.
Q: Where can I find the phrase in literature?
A: You’ll see “when pigs fly” in 17th‑century poetry and satire. The “devil is an ass” line appears in German folk collections from the 1800s and occasionally in English translations of those tales.
Q: Can I use this idiom in a business pitch?
A: Yes, but only to highlight unrealistic claims. Follow up with a concrete plan; otherwise it can seem dismissive The details matter here. But it adds up..
Q: What’s a good alternative if the devil reference feels too edgy?
A: Try “the devil’s on a donkey” or simply “the devil’s a fool.” Both keep the absurdity without the animal imagery.
Q: Does the phrase work in other languages?
A: Direct translations are rare, but many cultures have similar combos—think “when the moon turns blue” plus a proverb about a foolish trickster. Adapt the spirit rather than the exact words.
So, the next time someone promises you a miracle, feel free to smile, raise an eyebrow, and say, “Sure, when pigs fly, and the devil is an ass.” It’s a quick way to call out the fantasy, keep the tone light, and steer the conversation back to reality Worth keeping that in mind..
And if anyone actually shows you a flying pig, well… you’ll finally have proof that the devil can be a donkey after all.
