The phrase "when pigs fly," attributed to Ben Jonson, can be found in his Jacobean comedy titled The Devil is an Ass, which was first performed in 1616. Specifically, the phrase appears in Act 5, Scene 1, during a dialogue involving the character Fitzdottrel, who interacts with Pug, a character disguised as a servant.

This play satirizes various elements of society during the Jacobean era and includes comedic elements along with moments of skepticism, exemplified by the expression "when pigs fly." The specific context of this phrase underscores themes of disbelief regarding impossible occurrences.

For more detailed accounts regarding the play and the usage of this phrase, you may refer to the following sources:

1. BrutusAI Result on the phrase's first recorded use
2. Wikipedia Entry on The Devil is an Ass
3. ClassAce Details on the scene and characters

This information highlights the play's relevance to the idiom and its place in English literature.

Sources

BrutusAI Result: Is This True? The First Recorded Use Of The PhraseBen Jonson: Works (1692 Folio): The Devil is an AssAnswers to: Where does Sir Ageron come into play? Can you please ...The Devil Is an Ass - WikipediaThe Devil Is an Ass | The Cambridge Works of Ben JonsonAnswers to: Yes, that's true! The phrase "when pigs fly" indeed ...Is this true? The first recorded use of the phrase "when pigs fly" in ...

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