The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CONTRAST PROVERB

"YOU HAVE AS MUCH CHANCE AS A SNOWBALL IN HELL."

Submitter comment: THIS IS A WELLERISM, IT IS EASY TO IDENTIFY BUT HARD
TO IMAGINE. SINCE HELL IS KNOWN TO BE A HOT PLACE, A
COLD ITEM SUCH AS A SNOWBALL WOULD MELT QUICKLY. THIS
PROVERB IS USED WHEN A TASK THAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE IS
ABOUT TO BE PREFORMED. FOR EXAMPLE, THE PHRASE COULD
BE USED WHEN SOMEONE IS TRYING TO PASS AN EXAM WITHOUT
STUDYING FOR IT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: CA00001977