once in a blue moon

The expression once in a blue moon is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the once in a blue moon idiom.

Meaning of "once in a blue moon"

Meaning

The idiom “once in a blue moon” is used to describe a rare occurrence or something that doesn’t happen very often. It suggests that something is incredibly uncommon and is used to emphasize how unusual a certain event or occurrence is. The phrase is often used when referring to moments that are quite special or extraordinary.

Etymology

The phrase “once in a blue moon” dates back many centuries, though its exact origin is unknown. The phrase first appeared in print in the year 1528 in a novel written by a British author named William Barlow. Since then, the phrase has become popularized and is now used in everyday conversation.

Usage

The phrase “once in a blue moon” is best used to emphasize how rare a certain occurrence is. It is most often used to describe a moment or event that is special or unique and not likely to happen again soon. It can also be used to give something a sense of importance or significance and make it stand out from the everyday mundane.

Example Sentences

• Winning the lottery is like once in a blue moon. Most people never get the chance.
• Seeing a rainbow is always a beautiful sight, but seeing a double rainbow is once in a blue moon.
• We only get to spend time with each other once in a blue moon, so let’s make the most of it.
• I feel like I only get to take a vacation once in a blue moon. I need to make the most of it.
• Getting an A on the exam was once in a blue moon! I can’t believe it.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.