English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Once in a blue moon
Meaning
The idiom "once in a blue moon" means that something happens very rarely or almost never. It refers to a situation or event that is so unlikely to occur that it is considered a rare occurrence.
Usage
- I hardly eat junk food once in a blue moon. (In this sentence, the idiom is used to express how rarely the speaker eats junk food.)
- My family gets together only once in a blue moon. (Here, the idiom means that family gatherings are infrequent.)
- I usually don't watch TV once in a blue moon. (This sentence suggests that the speaker hardly ever watches TV.)
- It's rare to see snow in this city once in a blue moon. (The idiom is used to describe how uncommon snowfall is in the area.)
- I like to try new things once in a blue moon. (In this context, the idiom means that the speaker doesn't try new things very often.)
Roots and History
The earliest known use of the phrase "once in a blue moon" can be traced back to 16th century England. It was originally used to describe a rare celestial event, where the second full moon occurred within a calendar month. The idiom gradually came to mean any rare or infrequent occurrence.
Synonyms in English
- Rarely
- Infrequently
- Seldom
- Once in a while
- Occasionally
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Peu ou jamais (Translation: "rarely or never")
- German: Seltener oder nie (Translation: "rarely or never")
- Spanish: A menudo o nunca (Translation: "frequently or never")
- Italian: Raramente o mai (Translation: "rarely or never")
- Russian: Вредно или никогда не делать (Translation: "badly or never do")