If the sky falls, we shall catch larks – असंभव की बात मत करो Meaning & Explanation

The idiom “If the sky falls, we shall catch larks” is used to express that talking about impossible or highly unlikely scenarios is futile. It is a way of saying that discussing what would happen in an unrealistic situation is unnecessary, as such events are not going to happen.

Used to dismiss an unlikely or impossible scenario
Implies that there is no point in speculating about events that are highly improbable
Encourages focusing on practical and realistic matters instead of wasting time on fantasies

Hindi Equivalent:
“असंभव की बात मत करो”
(यह वाक्य तब कहा जाता है जब कोई व्यक्ति कोई असंभव स्थिति या घटना पर बात कर रहा होता है – “If the sky falls, we shall catch larks!”)

Detailed Explanation
This idiom is a rhetorical way of pointing out that imagining the collapse of the sky and catching birds in the process is purely a fantastical idea. It highlights how it is not worth discussing or planning for situations that are beyond the realm of possibility. The phrase dismisses idle speculation and encourages focusing on realistic matters that can actually happen.

Dismissive Tone: It conveys that the current discussion is about something so unrealistic that it’s not worth spending time on.
Encouragement to Stay Practical: It suggests that people should focus on achievable goals and avoid wasting energy on “what-if” scenarios that have no real basis.
Humorous Context: While serious in meaning, this idiom can also be used in a lighthearted way, especially when someone is talking about a very unlikely event.

Common contexts:

• When someone starts discussing a scenario that is clearly impossible or improbable.
• In conversations where someone is indulging in hypothetical situations that won’t actually happen.
• When a situation is so unlikely that discussing it only wastes time.

Real-Life Examples

In a Family Conversation
English: “If the sky falls, we shall catch larks, but until then, let’s focus on our plan!”
Hindi: “अगर आसमान गिरता है, तो हम चिरपिंग पकड़ लेंगे, लेकिन तब तक, चलो हमारी योजना पर ध्यान दें!”

In a Group Discussion
English: “You’re talking about things that won’t happen. If the sky falls, we shall catch larks, but let’s focus on what’s practical!”
Hindi: “तुम उन चीजों के बारे में बात कर रहे हो जो नहीं होंगी। अगर आसमान गिरता है, तो हम चिरपिंग पकड़ लेंगे, लेकिन चलो जो संभव है उस पर ध्यान दें!”

In a Work Setting
English: “Stop worrying about the worst-case scenario. If the sky falls, we shall catch larks. Let’s deal with the real issues!”
Hindi: “सबसे खराब स्थिति के बारे में चिंता करना बंद करो। अगर आसमान गिरता है, तो हम चिरपिंग पकड़ लेंगे। चलो असली मुद्दों से निपटते हैं!”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Promotes Rational Thinking: This idiom encourages people to focus on practical, achievable outcomes rather than engaging in unrealistic fears or speculations.
✓ Cuts Out the Unnecessary: It helps in cutting out unnecessary chatter about impossible scenarios, allowing the conversation to stay grounded.
✓ Clarifies Real Priorities: It serves as a reminder to focus on what is actually relevant in the moment, instead of wasting time on thoughts that won’t lead to any practical outcome.

When to Use This Phrase:
When someone is overly concerned about events that are highly unlikely to happen.
When you want to shift the conversation back to something more realistic and grounded.
To subtly hint that someone is wasting time on impossible scenarios.

Usage Tips
Tone matters: The phrase can sound humorous or sarcastic depending on the tone used, so be careful how you say it.
Be empathetic: If the person is anxious or worried about an unlikely event, gently steer the conversation back to practical matters without sounding dismissive.
Use humor for effect: This idiom can be delivered in a playful or lighthearted way to ease tension when people are overthinking improbable situations.

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”	“अंडे से पहले मुर्गी मत गिनो।”
“Don’t jump to conclusions.”	“नतीजे पर पहुँचने से पहले सोचो।”
“Let’s not waste time on impossible things.”	“असंभव चीजों पर समय बर्बाद न करें।”
“It’s not worth discussing.”	“यह चर्चा करने के लायक नहीं है।”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, this idiom might be used in casual settings to dismiss overly dramatic or hypothetical discussions, particularly when a person is focusing on the improbable.
Indian Context: In India, while this phrase may not be as common, similar idioms like “असंभव की बात मत करो” are used to dismiss unrealistic talk, especially in family or close-knit discussions.
Global Relevance: The idiom’s message is universal: there is no point in speculating about the impossible. It helps keep conversations focused on what can actually be achieved.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever been in a conversation where someone was talking about an impossible scenario?
• How do you respond when others discuss highly unlikely or unrealistic events?
• Do you find it difficult to focus on what’s practical when others are distracted by unrealistic ideas?