Etymology Journal ยท O
Once in a blue moon
Meaning
- Something that happens very rarely. It is not impossible, but it is certainly an exception to the norm.
Exaggerated, descriptive
Used in a sentence
- He only comes home to visit once in a blue moon.
- We treat ourselves to a fancy dinner once in a blue moon.
- That old car starts once in a blue moon.
The backstory
A blue moon is a rare astronomical event where there are two full moons in a single month. Because it is rare, the phrase was adopted to describe any infrequent occurrence.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check