Once in a blue moon

usgb
phrase

Happening very rarely.

I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.
Visual representation of "once in a blue moon" - Happening very rarely

Often appears as...

  • happens once in a blue moon
  • see once in a blue moon

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "once in a blue moon"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Expression

It's an idiomatic expression and not to be taken literally; there is no actual 'blue moon'.

Illustration for Idiomatic Expression
My aunt comes to visit us once in a blue moon, maybe every few years.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Rare Occurrence

'Once in a blue moon' refers to something that happens very seldom.

Illustration for Rare Occurrence
I travel abroad once in a blue moon; it's quite a special event each time.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Numeric Frequency

The phrase doesn't specify how often something happens, just that it's not frequent.

Illustration for No Numeric Frequency
He might play football once in a blue moon, without any regular schedule.
Visual representation of the word "Once in a blue moon"

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