moon (redirected from moons)

ask/cry for the moon

to want something that is not possible. There's no point hoping for a permanent peace in the area. It's like asking for the moon. (usually in continuous tenses)

See also: ask, cry

be over the moon (informal)

to be extremely pleased about something. Marie got the job. She's over the moon.

See also: over

many moons ago (old-fashioned)

a long time ago. I only have the faintest memory of that time. It all happened many moons ago.

See also: many

once in a blue moon

very rarely. My sister lives in Alaska, so I only get to see her once in a blue moon. I don't know why I bought that CD-ROM for my computer - I only ever use it once in a blue moon.

See also: blue, once

promise (someone) the moon (British, American & Australian, British & Australian)

to promise something impossible. He had promised her the earth but five years later they were still living in the same small house.

See also: promise

reach for the moon/stars

to try to achieve something that is very difficult. If you want success, you have to reach for the moon.

See also: reach, star

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once in a blue moon

almost never. Once in a blue moon I'll have a beer with friends, but it's not my regular drink.

Etymology: based on the informal phrase blue moon (= the second time in one month that you can see the full disk of the moon )

See also: blue, once

over the moon

extremely pleased and happy. When he sent me flowers and a note, I was over the moon.

See also: over