Once In A Blue Moon
Exercise
1. If you do something once in a blue moon, how often do you do it?a) never
b) very rarely
c) very often
2. The phrase 'blue moon' has also been used for which two things?
Answers
1. b2. The title of an Elvis Presley song and the name of a cocktail.
Read
You’re listening to British Council’s English Online and I’m Nina. Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression once in a blue moon. Let’s listen to the dialogue.
A: Lovely flowers! Are they from Michael?
B: Yes! Isn't he sweet!
A: You're lucky! I wish Paul was more romantic.
B: Doesn't he ever surprise you with flowers?
A: Well, maybe once in a blue moon, but not very often!
This common expression is one of my favourites because it's such a nice, poetic image. It's usage has changed slightly over the years though. A long time ago, it meant 'never', but the modern meaning is 'very rarely'. There is also an alcoholic cocktail and an Elvis Presley song called 'Blue Moon', but they aren't directly connected to this expression.
And that’s it for now – join us again for some more Language Snacks.
You’ve been listening to English Online – the podcast for English learners in China.
Sun, 28/02/2010 - 10:14am — sumaya
sumai
It's nice word , once in a bule moon and I'll start to use it form today.
Thu, 17/12/2009 - 3:02pm — English Online Visitor
fantastically and emotionally
Sun, 19/07/2009 - 12:54am — gzal
wow..I like such expression for it gives the meaning in such an indirect way
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 11:31am — Snow flying fish
Very poetic and useful expression!
Thu, 07/05/2009 - 7:59pm — English Online Visitor
with interesting
Sat, 11/04/2009 - 8:05pm — delicacy
how can we make a sentence with this expression?
can anyone give me an example?
Wed, 08/04/2009 - 1:15am — English Online Visitor
useful ..
I lik it..
Mon, 06/04/2009 - 9:25am — whitemouse
I do use it in my life.Great
Wed, 01/04/2009 - 10:20pm — citelsh
GOOD
Fri, 06/02/2009 - 9:13pm — English Online Visitor
and Elvis Presley's song called blue moon.