once in a blue moon
Very rarely
शाब्दिक अर्थ: One time during a moon that appears blue.
Use this phrase to highlight that an event is a rare and special exception to the norm.
15 सेकंड में
- Used to describe events that happen very rarely.
- Refers to the rarity of a second monthly full moon.
- Perfect for casual conversations and storytelling.
मतलब
This phrase describes something that happens very rarely. It is for those special events that only occur once in a long while.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Talking about a distant relative
I only see my cousin from Australia once in a blue moon.
I only see my cousin from Australia very rarely.
Discussing cooking habits
I cook a fancy three-course meal once in a blue moon.
I very rarely cook a fancy three-course meal.
In a professional performance review
Mistakes like this happen only once in a blue moon in our department.
Mistakes like this happen very rarely in our department.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase originates from the rarity of a second full moon in a calendar month. While the moon doesn't actually turn blue, the term became a staple of English folklore to describe impossible or rare events. It gained massive popularity in the 19th century and remains one of the most recognized idioms in the English-speaking world.
Placement is Flexible
You can put it at the end of the sentence or after the subject. Both 'I go there once in a blue moon' and 'Once in a blue moon, I go there' are correct!
Don't use for 'Never'
It means 'very rarely', not 'never'. If you never do something, just say 'never'. Using this idiom implies it actually happens sometimes.
15 सेकंड में
- Used to describe events that happen very rarely.
- Refers to the rarity of a second monthly full moon.
- Perfect for casual conversations and storytelling.
What It Means
Imagine something so rare it feels like a miracle. Once in a blue moon means an event is not common at all. It is for things that happen maybe once a year. Or even once every few years. It is much stronger than saying sometimes or occasionally.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the end of a sentence. You can also put it right after the subject. It acts like an adverb of frequency. For example, you can say, "I eat cake once in a blue moon." It tells your friend that you are usually very healthy. But today is a rare exception!
When To Use It
Use it when you want to emphasize how rare an event is. Use it when talking about old friends you rarely see. Use it for chores you hate doing. It works great when a friend asks about your hobbies. "Do you go to the gym?" "Only once in a blue moon!" It adds a bit of flavor to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that happen every week. If you go to the cinema every month, it is too frequent. Avoid using it in very serious legal documents. It is a bit too poetic for a contract. Also, don't use it if you are actually talking about astronomy. That will just confuse the scientists!
Cultural Background
A "blue moon" is a real thing in the sky. It is the second full moon in a single month. This happens roughly every 2.7 years. Because it is so rare, people started using it as a metaphor. It has been used in English for hundreds of years. It sounds a bit romantic and old-fashioned, but everyone uses it today.
Common Variations
You won't find many variations of the phrase itself. It is a set expression. However, people might say "Once in a very blue moon" for extra drama. Some might just say "Hardly ever" if they are feeling lazy. But once in a blue moon is much more fun to say. It makes you sound like a native speaker!
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
The phrase is very versatile and fits into most conversations without sounding out of place. Just remember it is an idiom, so avoid using it in technical manuals where literal clarity is required.
Placement is Flexible
You can put it at the end of the sentence or after the subject. Both 'I go there once in a blue moon' and 'Once in a blue moon, I go there' are correct!
Don't use for 'Never'
It means 'very rarely', not 'never'. If you never do something, just say 'never'. Using this idiom implies it actually happens sometimes.
The 2.7 Year Rule
In actual astronomy, a blue moon happens every 2.7 years. So when you use this, you're literally saying 'this happens about every three years'!
उदाहरण
6I only see my cousin from Australia once in a blue moon.
I only see my cousin from Australia very rarely.
Emphasizes the long distance and time between visits.
I cook a fancy three-course meal once in a blue moon.
I very rarely cook a fancy three-course meal.
Suggests that the speaker usually eats simple food.
Mistakes like this happen only once in a blue moon in our department.
Mistakes like this happen very rarely in our department.
Used to reassure a manager that an error is not a pattern.
I hit the gym once in a blue moon, so don't expect me to be fit!
I go to the gym very rarely.
Self-deprecating humor about lack of exercise.
It rains here only once in a blue moon.
It rains here very rarely.
Describes a rare weather phenomenon.
I used to play piano every day, but now I only play once in a blue moon.
I used to play piano every day, but now I play very rarely.
Reflects a change in lifestyle or priorities.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a rare habit.
My brother lives in Japan, so we get to talk face-to-face only ___.
Since the brother lives far away in Japan, seeing him face-to-face would be a very rare event.
Identify the most natural use of the idiom.
I'm a vegetarian, so I eat meat ___.
A vegetarian would only eat meat on extremely rare, exceptional occasions, if at all.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Once in a Blue Moon'
Used with friends and family.
I tidy my room once in a blue moon.
Safe for most work and social settings.
The system crashes once in a blue moon.
Understood but rarely used in academic writing.
Such occurrences happen once in a blue moon.
When to say 'Once in a Blue Moon'
Old Friends
Meeting a high school buddy.
Rare Treats
Eating at a 5-star restaurant.
Tech Issues
A phone that never breaks.
Weather
Snowing in a tropical city.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
11 सवालNo, the moon stays its usual color. The term blue moon is just a name for the second full moon in a month.
Not at all! It is considered neutral. You can say The server only goes down once in a blue moon in a professional meeting.
Yes! You can use it for something good like winning the lottery or something annoying like doing the laundry.
Once in a blue moon is more descriptive and emphasizes the rarity more than the simple word rarely.
No, that isn't a standard expression. If something happens twice, it's probably too frequent for this idiom!
It is better for creative writing or emails. For a very serious academic paper, stick to seldom or infrequently.
Yes, it is used in almost all English-speaking countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
No, the phrase is purely metaphorical. You are talking about time, not the sky.
Usually, we describe actions, but you could say He visits once in a blue moon to describe a person's habits.
It has history, but it is still very common. You will hear it in movies, songs, and daily conversations today.
People will think you are being sarcastic! For example, I breathe once in a blue moon would be a joke.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Hardly ever
Almost never.
Once in a lifetime
Something that only happens one time in your whole life.
Few and far between
Not frequent; unusual.
Seldom
A more formal way to say rarely.
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