not in a million years

/nɒt ɪn ə ˈmɪljən jɪərz/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ 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.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

in a million yearsphrase
An extremely long time

💡Pro Tip

Tone matters

This phrase is usually said with strong emphasis or humor.

📖Word Origin

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

📝Usage Notes

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

English Dictionary