en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "Never say never"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 09/10/2024, 09:58
English.me team member

What does it mean?

Never say never

"Never say never" means that one should not rule out any possibility, as situations can change, and things once deemed impossible may become possible.

Tone

Optimistic and cautionary

Origin

The phrase is a proverb that has been used in English since at least the 19th century to convey the idea of keeping an open mind about future possibilities. Its precise origins are unclear, but it has been popularized in modern times by its use in songs, films, and books.

Examples of usage

  • I told myself I'd never move back to my hometown, but now, never say never.
  • She said she'd never try skydiving, but then she thought, never say never.

Recommended posts in Phrases

Slow but sure

Slow but sure

The phrase "slow but sure" means that although progress might ... Learn more →

Haste makes waste

Haste makes waste

The phrase "haste makes waste" means that rushing through tasks ... Learn more →

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

The phrase suggests that two parties can find common ground ... Learn more →

Let sleeping dogs lie

Let sleeping dogs lie

The phrase "Let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering ... Learn more →