Idiom
Once in a Blue Moon: Origin and Meaning
Meaning
Not very often / very rarely.
Origin
Seeing a blue moon is very rare as it only happens when there’s a full moon twice in the same month. There was a blue moon in December 2009 and the next one only appeared in August 2012! The phrase exists because it is possible to see a blue moon, but it doesn’t happen very often, only when the conditions are right!
Examples
Susan: “We used to go clubbing every weekend! Do you still go sometimes?”
Helen: “Once in a blue moon.”
“I only see my brother once in a blue moon because he lives in New York.”
“Why did you buy that DVD? You only watch films once in a blue moon!”
Helen: “Once in a blue moon.”
“I only see my brother once in a blue moon because he lives in New York.”
“Why did you buy that DVD? You only watch films once in a blue moon!”
