Once in a Blue Moon Idiom: Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

“Once in a blue moon” is a common idiom, but do you know what it actually means?

The once in a blue moon idiom is often used to describe something that happens infrequently or unexpectedly. For example, you might say “I only see my grandparents once in a blue moon” to mean that you see them very rarely.

Meaning & Definition of Once In A Blue Moon

Meaning: Very rarely, seldom
Definition: The phrase refers to something that happens very infrequently.
When we say that something happens once in a blue moon, what we mean is that it happens very rarely.
History of Idiom:

The phrase “Once in a blue moon” is an idiom used to express a rare occurrence or an event that happens very infrequently. It refers to a situation or happening that is quite unusual, like the sighting of a blue moon, which is a rare celestial event.

A blue moon is a rare celestial event that occurs when there are four full moons in a season instead of the usual three. The word “blue” in “blue moon” comes from the Old English word “belewe,” which means “betrayer.”

Many years ago, before the Gregorian calendar was reformed, the church used to calculate the date of Easter based on the cycle of the moon. When a blue moon appeared in the sky, the clergy needed to warn people that this did not mean that Lent was over and that they could stop fasting.

Today, the phrase “once in a blue moon” is still used to describe something that happens very rarely. For example, you might say that you only see your childhood friends once in a blue moon.

Synonyms of Once in a Blue Moon Idiom:

Here are some of the common synonyms for the idiom “once in a blue moon”:

• Rarely
• Hardly ever
• Scarcely ever
• Not often
• On rare occasions
• Once in a while
• Every now and then
• From time to time
• Intermittently
• Sporadically

Examples of Once In A Blue Moon :

Here are some examples of how the idiom “once in a blue moon” can be used in a sentence:

• Once in a blue moon, I go to the cinema, when there’s a film I really want to see.
• I’m very careful about what I eat so it’s only once in a blue moon I eat fast food.
• ”Because I live abroad, I get to see my parents once in a blue moon.”
• I saw a shooting star last night. That’s something you only see once in a blue moon.
• I’m going to the beach this weekend. It’s a once in a blue moon opportunity, so I can’t pass it up.
• We only visit our grandparents who live overseas once in a blue moon.
• Jane is not known for being punctual, but once in a blue moon, she arrives on time.
• Our team usually wins, but it’s only once in a blue moon that we face defeat.
• The neighborhood throws a big block party once in a blue moon, and everyone looks forward to it.
• My favorite restaurant serves a special dish once in a blue moon, and I make sure not to miss it.

Do you Know?

The idiom “once in a blue moon” can also be used in a more figurative sense. For example, you might say that something is “once in a blue moon” if it is something that is very special or unique.

For example, you might say that meeting your soulmate is “once in a blue moon”. Or, you might say that finding a job that you love is “once in a blue moon”.

The idiom “once in a blue moon” is a versatile expression that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is a great way to express surprise, disbelief, or the rarity of something.

Exercise:

Here are some multiple-choice questions related to the idiom “once in a blue moon”

• Which of the following is the closest meaning of the idiom “once in a blue moon”?

1. • A. Happens every day
   • B. Happens once in a while
   • C. Happens very rarely
   • D. Happens never

• Which of the following sentences uses the idiom “once in a blue moon” correctly?

1. • A. I see my grandmother once in a blue moon.
   • B. I only get to eat pizza once in a blue moon.
   • C. I get to travel once in a blue moon.
   • D. I only get to go to the movies once in a blue moon.

• Fill in the blank with the correct idiom: I only get to see my best friend ________.

1. • A. once in a while
   • B. once in a blue moon
   • C. every day
   • D. once in a month

• Which of the following is an example of something that happens once in a blue moon?

1. • A. A solar eclipse
   • B. A full moon
   • C. A lunar eclipse
   • D. A meteor shower

• Which of the following sentences is the most similar in meaning to “I only get to see my aunt once in a blue moon”?

1. • A. I see my aunt every other week.
   • B. I see my aunt every few months.
   • C. I see my aunt every year or so.
   • D. I see my aunt once in a lifetime.

Answer Key:

Conclusion:

To conclude, the idiom “once in a blue moon” is a colorful way to describe something that happens very rarely. Understanding the meaning and correct usage of idioms will help to communicate more effectively.