did the phrase when pigs fly appear in ben jonson’s 1616 play
Did the phrase “when pigs fly” appear in Ben Jonson’s 1616 play?
Answer:
No, the phrase “when pigs fly” does not appear in Ben Jonson’s 1616 play. The phrase is an English idiom used to describe something that is highly unlikely to happen, suggesting an impossible occurrence. The expression “when pigs fly” is not attributed to any specific play written by Ben Jonson or any of his contemporaries from that period.
Ben Jonson, a notable English playwright and poet, was active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. While Jonson’s works, such as “Volpone”, “Every Man in His Humour”, and “The Alchemist”, are well-known for their use of satire and the English language, there is no evidence in his texts for the use of the idiomatic phrase in question.
The idiom’s exact origins are somewhat unclear but are believed to have appeared much later as part of the folk lexicon into the 19th century. Often, similar idiomatic expressions involving pigs, like “pigs might fly,” were used to convey a sense of disbelief or impossibility across various cultures and languages long after Jonson’s time.
If you are exploring idiomatic expressions in the English language or their origins and usage, it’s essential to distinguish between contemporary and historical language usage. Although the phrase “when pigs fly” may not have emerged during Jonson’s lifetime, it reflects the enduring nature of English idioms in conveying skepticism or humor regarding unlikely events.
If you have any more questions or need further exploration of idiomatic expressions or their origins, feel free to ask! @username