(not) a hope in hell
Meaning(s)
1. no possibility of doing or achieving something
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
you haven't a hope in hell of getting that promotion
Analysis
This is a very casual informal phrase meaning there is no chance of something happening. It is related to the expression 'not a snowballs hope in hell'. Hell is considered to be full of fire and heat so the snowball would have no chance of surviving. When you say there 'isn't a hope in hell' of something happening you mean there is absolutely no possibility it can happen or be achieved.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The traffic is awful this afternoon! I haven't got a hope in hell of making that appointment now.
- After my accident, I hadn't a hope in hell of ever becoming a professional basketball player.
- You haven't a hope in hell of passing the exam. You haven't been in class for over a month
Professional Examples (Advance)
- Person A: "Is there any chance I could get a raise?" Person B: "We're having to tighten our belts at the moment, so there's not a hope in hell, I'm afraid."
- You haven't a hope in hell of getting that promotion. There are too many other candidates who are better qualified and more experienced.
- We haven't a hope in hell of surviving if sales continue in this way.