# snowball's chance in hell

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/snowballs-chance-in-hell
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Almost no chance at all of an occurrence or success.

## Examples

- He has a snowball's chance in hell of winning that race.
- Without any experience or training, she realized she had a snowball's chance in hell of getting the job.
- Given the overwhelming evidence against his case, the lawyer privately admitted his client had a snowball's chance in hell of avoiding a guilty verdict.

## Origin

19th-century American: a snowball would melt instantly in hell, so its chances are nil. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.