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. b

2. 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.