a snowball's chance in hell

a snowball's chance in hell

An infinitely small possibility, chance, or likelihood, to the point of being impossible. Usually used in the phrase "not have a snowball's chance in hell." That candidate doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning an election in this part of the state. We haven't got a snowball's chance in hell if we have to compete against some mega corporation like that!
See also: chance, hell
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

snowball's chance in hell, a

No chance at all, as in He hasn't a snowball's chance in hell of getting there in two hours. This idiom, nearly always used negatively, alludes to the traditional view of hell as extremely hot, causing snow to melt at once. [Late 1800s]
See also: chance
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

snowball’s chance in hell

n. a very poor chance. (Usually in the negative.) She doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting it done on time.
See also: chance, hell
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • snowball
  • snowball’s chance in hell
  • snowball's chance in hell, a
  • not have a (snowball's) chance in hell
  • not have a snowball's chance in hell
  • not have a snowball's chance in hell and not a hope in hell
  • on the (off) chance
  • on the chance
  • one chance in a million
  • a chance in a million
References in periodicals archive
Swail desperately wants to win here, but until last month he didn't believe he had a snowball's chance in hell of achieving the goal.
WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP: OLD PALS' ACT BEST FOR JOE
Put it this way, he may look like an iceman, but he hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell.
WATER RESEMBLANCE
She is nearly 27, but her dad is still fine-tuning her talent (word to the wise, dad she ain't got none) and pushing her into auditions she hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell of winning.
Frances Traynor: Pushy parents should be taught a lesson; Pushy Parents ITV, Monday
It's lucky for Michaela - and the rest of us - that she hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell of winning in either seat.
HOLYROOD Confidential: CHUMP OF THE DAY
We don't believe in those tedious contests, appearing in London-based tabloids, where you have a snowball's chance in hell of winning the one cash prize.
Bid 'N' Win; Collect the cash and bid for prizes
A BELATED well done to the recent Euro 2004: Total Guide book who gave Greece no more than a snowball's chance in hell of causing a a shock at the tournament.
DARREN FULLERTON: Euro 2004