In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe something completely impossible or absurd.
- Equivalent to the English 'when pigs fly'.
- Great for expressing skepticism in a funny way.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is completely impossible or absurd. It is used to point out that a situation or a person's claim is as likely as a horse starting to bark like a dog.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reacting to a lazy friend's gym plan
Você na academia às 5 da manhã? Mais fácil um cavalo latir!
You at the gym at 5 AM? It's easier for a horse to bark!
Discussing a politician's unlikely promise
Ele vai baixar os impostos? Só quando o cavalo latir.
He's going to lower taxes? Only when the horse barks.
Texting about a flaky friend
O João chegar no horário? É cavalo que late, viu?
João arriving on time? That's a barking horse, you know?
Cultural Background
Brazilians love using animal metaphors to express humor.
Use with a smile
Since it's sarcastic, make sure your tone is light.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe something completely impossible or absurd.
- Equivalent to the English 'when pigs fly'.
- Great for expressing skepticism in a funny way.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking in a field. You see a majestic horse. Suddenly, instead of a neigh, it lets out a loud 'woof!' It sounds ridiculous, right? That is exactly the point. When you say cavalo que late (or cavalo que latir), you are talking about something that simply cannot happen. It is the Portuguese way of saying 'when pigs fly' or 'that is pure nonsense.' It highlights the absurdity of a statement or a promise.
How To Use It
You use it as a metaphor for impossibility. It usually appears in the phrase mais fácil um cavalo latir (it is easier for a horse to bark). You are comparing a unlikely event to a biological impossibility. It is a punchy way to shut down a ridiculous suggestion. You do not need complex grammar. Just drop it into a comparison. It makes you sound very natural and culturally aware.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend makes a promise they never keep. Use it when someone suggests a plan that is clearly doomed. It is perfect for lighthearted skepticism. If your friend says they will wake up at 5 AM for the gym, this is your line. It works great in casual debates about sports or politics too. It adds a bit of spice to your disagreement without being too aggressive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal business presentations. You do not want to tell your CEO that his quarterly goals are like a barking horse. It is a bit too colorful for a funeral or a serious legal setting. Also, do not use it if you are trying to be genuinely supportive. It is a phrase for skeptics, not for cheerleaders. If someone is sharing a dream, this phrase might crush it!
Cultural Background
Brazil has a deep connection to rural life and livestock. Many idioms involve horses, cows, or chickens. The horse is seen as a noble, predictable animal. A horse barking is the ultimate subversion of nature. It reflects the Brazilian sense of humor which loves hyperbole. We like to take a situation to its most extreme, ridiculous conclusion to make a point. It is part of that 'jeitinho' of using irony to handle life's frustrations.
Common Variations
You might hear quando a galinha tiver dente (when chickens have teeth). Another one is no dia de São Nunca (on the day of Saint Never). Some people just say isso é conversa pra boi dormir if they think you are lying. But cavalo que late remains a classic for pure impossibility. It is short, visual, and everyone gets the joke immediately.
Usage Notes
This is a highly idiomatic and informal expression. It relies heavily on tone—use it with a smirk or a laugh to ensure it's taken as a joke rather than an insult.
Use with a smile
Since it's sarcastic, make sure your tone is light.
Examples
6Você na academia às 5 da manhã? Mais fácil um cavalo latir!
You at the gym at 5 AM? It's easier for a horse to bark!
Uses the comparison to highlight how unlikely the event is.
Ele vai baixar os impostos? Só quando o cavalo latir.
He's going to lower taxes? Only when the horse barks.
Expresses political cynicism using the idiom.
O João chegar no horário? É cavalo que late, viu?
João arriving on time? That's a barking horse, you know?
Shortened version used in a text message context.
Aquele time ganhar o campeonato é igual a cavalo que late.
That team winning the championship is just like a horse barking.
Used to mock a rival team's chances.
Quer que eu termine tudo isso em uma hora? Só se o cavalo latir!
You want me to finish all this in an hour? Only if the horse barks!
Deflects an unreasonable expectation with humor.
Isso que você está contando é história de cavalo que late.
What you're telling me is a barking horse story.
Implies the story is a complete fabrication.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Aquele plano é um ___________.
This is the standard idiom for an impossible situation.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesAquele plano é um ___________.
This is the standard idiom for an impossible situation.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is too informal.
Related Phrases
Quando os porcos voarem
synonymWhen pigs fly
