Ce N’est Pas Demain La Veille: The French Phrase That Will Make You Think Twice!
"Ce n'est pas demain la veille", often pronounced "c'est pas demain la veille!", is a colorful expression that translates to something like "It's not happening anytime soon" or "Don't hold your breath."
Literally, it means “Tomorrow isn’t the day before”. In English, we might say “That’ll be the day!” or “Don’t count on it.” You use it when something is unlikely to happen in the near future, or even ever.
It has either a joking or sarcastic tone that conveys you're skeptical about something happening soon. You can use the phrase for example when someone has a goal or plan that feels unrealistic, or at least very far off.
"Tu crois qu'on aura fini ce projet la semaine prochaine?"
"Tu parles! Ce n'est pas demain la veille."
Do you think we’ll finish this project next week?
Yeah right! That’s not happening anytime soon.
The phrase can be used in a cutting way to show disbelief or mockery. For example, if someone is persistently optimistic or unrealistic, and you want to bring them down to earth:
"Un jour, je vais peut-être courir un marathon."
"C'est ça oui... Ce n'est pas demain la veille!"
One day, I might run a marathon.
Sure… That'll be the day!
"Un jour, je serai riche!"
"Ouais ben c'est pas demain la veille..."
One day, I’ll be rich!
Yeah, well, that’s not happening anytime soon…
The tone is key here, depending on how you say it, you can either make it sound playful or turn up the sarcasm.
Here are two examples of a more playful, less sarcastic use:
"Tu penses qu'il va changer d'avis?"
"C'est pas demain la veille."
Do you really think he’s going to change his mind?
Don't hold your breath.
"Ce n'est pas demain la veille qu'on aura la paix dans le monde!"
World peace isn’t happening anytime soon! (playful tone)
Alternative: "Quand les poules auront des dents"
This phrase translates to "when pigs fly":
"Tu penses qu'il va me rembourser l'argent qu'il me doit ?"
"Quand les poules auront des dents !"
Do you think he’s going to pay me back the money he owes?
When pigs fly!
Alternative: "Tu peux toujours attendre"
This means "You can keep waiting."
"A ton avis, il va m'inviter à sa fête ?"
"Tu peux toujours attendre."
In your opinion, is he going to invite me to his party?
You can keep waiting.
