July

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a cold day in July

A time or event that seems unlikely or will never come to pass. It refers to the fact that the weather is usually very hot in July. It'll be a cold day in July before they get that new interstate built. Shelly wants a later curfew? Well, it will be a cold day in July before that happens! It will be a cold day in July when I let you borrow my car!

born on the Fourth of July

Said of an extremely patriotic American. (July 4 is Independence Day in the US.) I don't know anyone as passionate about being American as my grandfather. He's always acted like he was born on the Fourth of July. I'm a proud American, sure, but it's not like I was born on the Fourth of July. I know our country has a lot of problems that need to be addressed. Don't question the US government to Uncle Ned, that guy was practically born on the Fourth of July.

Happy (Holiday Name)!

A standard greeting and phrase of celebration on a particular holiday. Happy Fourth of July, everyone! A: "Good morning, my love. Happy Valentine's Day!" B: "Aw, thank you, you're so sweet. Happy Valentine's, sweetie." Three… two… one… Happy New Year's!

it'll be a frosty Friday

It is unlikely or impossible (that something will ever occur). Sometimes followed by "in Hell," or "in July" or other hot places or times to add more emphasis. It'll be a frosty Friday when I sign over the lease of my land to you. It will be a frosty Friday in July before the two parties agree to anything.

knee-high by the 4th of July

old-fashioned The height to which corn seedlings ought to have grown by the beginning of July. Primarily heard in US. This dry spell is showing no signs of letting up. I'm worried about our crops this year, but if we can get to knee-high by the 4th of July, we should be all right.

the July effect

rude slang The supposed rise in medical mistakes that occurs at the same time as newly qualified doctors begin to treat patients. Primarily heard in US. I'm doubly worried about my dad. Not only does he have to have emergency surgery, but he also might fall victim to the July effect, as he's being treated by some doctor who's younger than I am!

*knee-high by the 4th of July

Fig. grown as tall as it should. (Corn seedlings are proverbially supposed to be as high as someone's knee by July 4th.) (*Typically: be ~; become ~; grow ~.) What with this drought, I don't think the crop will be knee-high by the 4th of July. It's gonna be a good year. Knee-high by the 4th of July.

it'll be a frosty Friday (in July)

used to indicate that something is very unlikely to happen. Canadian informal

1990 Walter Stewart Right Church, Wrong Pew It would be a frosty Friday in the middle of July before he would discuss personal affairs with the press.