Once in a Blue Moon

Definition

Once in a blue moon is an idiom meaning very rarely or almost never.

Parts of Speech

• Idiom
• Adverbial phrase

Pronunciation

• IPA: /wʌns ɪn ə bluː muːn/
• Respelling: WUNS in uh BLOO MOON

Etymology

First recorded in the 19th century, derived from the rare occurrence of a second full moon in a calendar month, known as a “blue moon.”

Derivatives

• none

Synonyms

• rarely
• hardly ever
• once in a great while
• seldom

Antonyms

• frequently
• often
• regularly

Usage

The idiom "once in a blue moon" is used in informal and formal contexts to describe events or actions that occur very rarely. For example, "I only go to that restaurant once in a blue moon," or "He visits his hometown once in a blue moon."

Related Terms

• Blue moon: A calendar phenomenon of a second full moon in one month.
• Idiom: A phrase with a figurative meaning distinct from its literal one.
• Seldom: Rarely; not often.
• Infrequent: Occurring at long intervals.
• Rarity: The quality of being uncommon.

Detailed Definitions

Idiom / Adverbial Phrase

• Describing something that happens very rarely – indicating that an event or action is extremely infrequent.
  • Example: "She drops by the office once in a blue moon."
• Emphasizing the unusual nature of an occurrence – highlighting that something is exceptional in its scarcity.
  • Example: "Opportunities like that come once in a blue moon."