Charlie and Parson- Confirmation in EW: 147?

[ishnar]

I agree this is a possible interpretation. The characters could have said the same phrase due to some gamesmanship by Parson. Or the author could be setting up a comparison between the two. Or, both.

What matters isn't "is it possible" but "Is it likely"

It's possible that if we wave our hands up and down really fast we can fly, but is it likely?

It's very obvious from context that Parson was using this phrase specifically to mess with Ansom's head. Context....

Context. Yes, on a low gravity world with a thick atmosphere, you probably could fly by waving your arms, and basically swim through the air, but unless you are on said low gravity world with a higher air pressure than Earth, then it's not likely. Even though it is still possible.

It's possible to make a triangle with three 90 degree corners. Context. On a flat surface it is not likely, but on a sphere it is likely.