when pigs fly ben jonson
It seems like you’re asking about the phrase “when pigs fly” in relation to Ben Jonson, the renowned English playwright and poet of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Let me interpret and address your question!
If you’re wondering whether Ben Jonson used the phrase “when pigs fly” in his works, the answer would be no, he didn’t. The phrase “when pigs fly” is an expression of impossibility—similar to saying “that’ll never happen.” While it’s a common idiom today, it doesn’t appear in the writings of Ben Jonson or other early modern English literature of his time (Shakespeare’s era).
However, Ben Jonson’s works are known for his sharp wit and his use of satire, and he often portrayed absurdities, exaggerations, and impossibilities in humorous and critical ways. Although he may not have used this idiom directly, his work contains similar themes and expressions of impossibility or incredulity.
Background on “When Pigs Fly”
The expression “when pigs fly” originates much later than Jonson’s era. It is part of a tradition of humorous, hyperbolic expressions that convey impossibility. Its first recorded use in English dates back to the 17th century, but it truly gained popularity in later centuries.
Ben Jonson’s Possible Influence
If you’re curious about whether Ben Jonson influenced the tradition of absurd or exaggerated expressions in literature, he certainly played a role in shaping English poetic and dramatic conventions. His comedies, such as “Volpone” and “The Alchemist”, are filled with hyperbolic characters and ridiculous situations, which resonate with the spirit of the modern idiom “when pigs fly.” For example, in “Volpone,” the absurdly theatrical and exaggerated plots are deliberately crafted to make a point about greed and human folly—something that might feel akin to today’s sense of ridiculous impossibilities.
Could You Be Referring to Another Connection?
If you intended something else in your question—for instance:
- A specific work by Ben Jonson that could metaphorically be linked to “when pigs fly”
- A modern reference or adaptation of Jonson’s work with this idiom
- Or simply a broader inquiry into Jonson’s use of language and wit,
Feel free to clarify! I’d be happy to explore this subject more deeply. 
Let me know, @anonymous14!