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Word or phrase for "i'll do __ if __ happens"

English Language & Usage Asked on August 26, 2021

I can’t seem to remember this word. It’s uncommon and is used to refer to the promise that "if ‘some unlikely event happens’, I’ll do ‘something well outside my comfort zone that I would otherwise not do’".

For example, a lot of college applicants say "If I get into Harvard, I’ll ask out this person" or a professional may say "if I land this client, I’m buying a Porche". What word would refer to this?

To clarify, this is not simple hyperbole. The if-condition, while unlikely is not impossible and the then-clause is expected to be fulfilled if the if-condition is met.

Not sure if it’s a single word or phrase, so I’m leaving both tags in

One Answer

Adynaton (plural adynata) is a figure of speech in the form of hyperbole taken to such extreme lengths as to insinuate a complete impossibility.

Or "idiom of improbability" which is used to denote that a given event is impossible or extremely unlikely to occur.

Answered by harada on August 26, 2021

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