Adynaton

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Adynaton (from Greek: a-: without and dynasthai: to be possible) is a figure of speech in the form of hyperbole taken to such extreme lengths as to suggest a complete impossibility. Adynaton was a widespread literary and rhetorical device during the Classical Period and was known in Latin as impossibilia. A frequent usage was to refer to one highly unlikely event occurring sooner than another:

One can expect an agreement between philosophers sooner than between clocks. Seneca, "The Pumpkinification of Claudius".

However it largely fell into disuse during the Middle Ages before undergoing a minor revival in the works of a few romantic poets, who would boast of the power of their love, and how it could never end.

Together, we shall sooner see, I, & you, The Rhône tarry, & reverse its course, The Saône roil, & return to source, Than this my fire ever die down Maurice Scève

Modern usage has provided several colourful examples of adynaton:

• Pigs might fly!
• Not before Hell freezes over

[edit] Further examples

• It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Book of Matthew 19:24
• I will sooner have a beard grow in the palm of my hand than he shall get one of his cheek Shakespeare Henry IV, Part 2

[edit] References and further reading

• Dictionary of poetic terms Myers, J., Wukasch, D.
• Some Notes on the Adynaton in Medieval Literature