APAD: Till hell freezes over

Meaning: Forever

 

Background: This saying appears to have originated around the 1910s and first

appeared in print in 1919. It was a favorite expression of F. Scott Fitzgerald -

he often ended his letters with "Yours till hell freezes over."

 

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It sounds cool and I plan to steal it. I'm tired of "Yours Sincerely," "Thank

you," "Thank you very much," "Regards," and "Best Regards," the few closings I

have penned since I started learning English. It won't offend anyone or appear

bizzare, as guaranteed by Mr. Fitz's dashing example.

 

The risk is that it might impress some, which I don't want either because it

raises expectations, sometimes from myself. When I can't keep delivering, I'll

be underwhelmed and feel like a fraud. Compared with the abyss of a deep-seated

sense of inferiority, a frozen-over hell would feel rather a relief.

 

Well. What the hell. I only live once. I'm going for it!