once in a blue moon

once in a blue moon

Meaning | Synonyms

• very rarely
• once after a long time
• something that happens very seldom
• on rare occasions
• almost never
• hardly ever

Example Sentences

1. The earthquakes hits once in a blue moon in this part of the earth, we never felt it.
2. I don't know why she bought that music system – she uses it once in a blue moon.
3. “I think my grandson doesn't love me anymore, he comes to see me only once in a blue moon.”
4. My Dad is working in Scotland and he visits home once in a blue moon, every couple of years.
5. Although I trust in God, I visit that famous temple only once in a blue moon.

Origin

The concept behind the origination of this idiom is second but rare appearance of the full moon in same month. Blue moon is the full moon that appears second time in same calendar month and this phenomenon happens only once in 32 months. Apart from that, sometime the full moon appears to be different in colour specially blue and orange and bigger in size.

This idiomatic expression is in use since 1800s.