Unlikely Situations

to be a condition or requirement that is uncertain or potentially challenging to fulfill

If we can secure the necessary funding, the project's success is possible, but that is a big if.

a story that seems impossible, particularly one that is used as an excuse

His excuse for missing work was nothing more than a cock-and-bull story about an alien abduction.

used to express anger and the fact that someone does not care about someone or something

When he suggested going on a camping trip in the middle of winter, she responded, "Forget that noise; it's too cold."

used to say that one does not think that something will ever happen or has any chance of being true

I'll eat my hat if the repairs end up costing less than $1,000.

to think about unlikely and unrealistic possibilities

His dreams of becoming a world-renowned actor were so ambitious that they could be described as casting beyond the moon.

used to refer to something that exceeds one's expectations in such ways that makes it hard to believe

When he heard about the job offer with an unbelievably high salary, he thought it was too good to be true.

an attempt made without having any high hopes of achieving success

Trying to win the lottery is often seen as a long shot, as the odds are astronomically against you.

used to refer to something that is extremely desirable yet nearly impossible to obtain

After such a long legal battle, we're just happy to know that there will be a bit of closure at the end of the rainbow.

a promise of something good or desirable that will never be fulfilled

The employees grew tired of the constant talk of raises and promotions that seemed to be nothing but jam tomorrow.

to aim for goals that are unrealistic or extremely difficult to achieve

In the business world, taking calculated risks and aiming high is akin to swinging for the fences to achieve substantial growth.

used to express one's disbelief about something happening or being true

I'm going to clean the entire house top to bottom in one hour.

an impractical or impossible idea, plan, or wish

Building a house on a private island may be a delightful pipe dream, but it's beyond our budget.

the slightest chance of succeeding or happening

The underdog team had a ghost of a chance of winning the championship, but their determination paid off.

to make promises that are impossible to be fulfilled or be kept

The politician promised the moon during the campaign, but many people were disappointed by the lack of progress after the election.

to think about or consider past events, experiences, or decisions

He looked back on his childhood with fondness and nostalgia.