not in a million years

/nɒt ɪn ə ˈmɪljən jɪərz/◆idiom

absolutely not

If you ask me to eat bugs, I'd say not in a million years.

This phrase strongly emphasizes refusal or disbelief.

◆ What It Really Means

Strong refusal or disbelief

¶ Literal Meaning

Not within an extremely long period of time

Literal Breakdown

notnegation+in a million yearswithin a very long time

◇ Mental Image

A vast, unimaginable timespan to emphasize impossibility

◈ When to Use

A friend asks if you'd ever move to a place you hate. You respond: 'Not in a million years!'

◉ Cultural Note

Common in English-speaking cultures to express strong opinions humorously.

informal

An emphatic way to express strong refusal or disbelief, suggesting something is extremely unlikely or impossible.

Will you ever forgive him for what he did? Not in a million years!

This shows the speaker's strong, lasting anger.

Do you think they'll win the championship? Not in a million years!

This expresses extreme doubt about their chances.

Often used humorously or dramatically to emphasize a point.

An extremely long time

This phrase is usually said with strong emphasis or humor.

The phrase uses hyperbole (exaggeration) to emphasize impossibility, with 'a million years' representing an unimaginably long time.

Common in casual conversation, often with exaggerated tone. Avoid in formal contexts.

English Dictionary