10 Ways to Say NEVER

10 Powerful Ways to Say NEVER in English (with Examples)

If you always say never, your English will always sound a little… predictable.

English is wonderfully rich in strong, expressive ways to say that something will not happen — not now, not later, not in a million years. Using these expressions will make your speaking and writing more natural, more colourful, and more confident — especially in B2 First and C1 Advanced exams.

In this lesson, you’ll learn 10 vivid and commonly used ways to say “never” in English, with clear meanings and natural examples.

Let’s begin.

Don’t hold your breath

Meaning: Used (often a little sarcastically) to say that something will probably never happen.

• Simon said he’d call when he got home — but don’t hold your breath.
• Don’t hold your breath waiting for Sara to apologise.

Fat chance

Meaning: Used to say that something is very unlikely or impossible.

• “Do you think they’ll give me that job?” — “Fat chance!”
• They have a fat chance of winning the match on Sunday.

On no account

Meaning: Never, under no circumstances (formal and strong; often used in instructions or rules)

• On no account should you take this medicine if you are pregnant.
• On no account must the documents be left unattended.

No fear

Meaning: Used to say that something certainly will not happen (or that you are not worried about it happening).

• I revised a lot, so there’s no fear of failing the exam.
• We’ve got plenty of food — there’s no fear of a shortage.

Not in the least

Meaning: Not at all / not in any way (often used to deny worry, fear, or interest)

• “Will Michael be angry when he finds out?” — “No, not in the least.”
• She wasn’t frightened of the dark in the least.

Not for love or money

Meaning: Impossible, no matter what you offer or try

• Not for love or money would David trust that man.
• I wouldn’t reveal your secret for love or money.

Not in a million years

Meaning: An emphatic and emotional way to say that something will absolutely never happen.

• He’ll believe that story? Not in a million years.
• Not in a million years would I move abroad without my family.

Not on your life

Meaning: A strong, often emotional refusal

• “Will you pick Dave up from school?” — “Not on your life! I’ve got a meeting.”
• Not on your life should you trust that company.

No way

Meaning: An informal and very common way to say that something is impossible or unacceptable.

• There’s no way we can finish this by tomorrow.
• There’s no way they’ll win with that team.

Under no circumstances

Meaning: Never, in no situation at all (formal, very strong, often used in rules and warnings)

• Under no circumstances should you leave the door unlocked.
• Under no circumstances must this information be shared.

English has many ways to say no — but these expressions let you say NO with style, confidence, and precision.

If you start using them naturally, your English will sound more expressive, more confident and much more like real-life English.

And remember: you’ll master them not in a million years… but much sooner than that. 😉

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!