The moon has long inspired language and expression, resulting in a rich collection of idioms that weave celestial charm into everyday conversation. From achieving the impossible to expressing love or lunacy, the moon influences a fascinating array of phrases. This post explores 20 popular moon-related idioms and expressions, providing succinct meanings and clear examples to help you understand and use them effectively in your dialogues.
Idioms and Expressions with Moon
1. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: I only go to the cinema once in a blue moon.
2. Over the moon
Meaning: Extremely happy.
Example: She was over the moon about her new job.
3. Promise the moon
Meaning: Promise something impossible or unlikely.
Example: He promised the moon, but could he deliver?
4. Reach for the moon
Meaning: Aim for a very high goal.
Example: Always reach for the moon in your career.
5. Moon over
Meaning: To dream about or pine for.
Example: He spent nights mooning over his vacation photos.
6. Shoot the moon
Meaning: To take a big risk.
Example: They shot the moon with their new investment.
7. Many moons ago
Meaning: A long time ago.
Example: I visited that place many moons ago.
8. Made of moonbeams
Meaning: Unrealistic, not practical.
Example: His new business idea is made of moonbeams.
9. Moonstruck
Meaning: To be in love or otherwise affected as if by the moon.
Example: She’s completely moonstruck by him.
10. To the moon and back
Meaning: To love someone very deeply.
Example: I love you to the moon and back.
11. Howl at the moon
Meaning: To waste effort on something ineffectual.
Example: Complaining about it is just howling at the moon.
12. Bark at the moon
Meaning: Protest in vain.
Example: He might as well be barking at the moon.
13. Ask for the moon
Meaning: Request something impossible.
Example: She’s not being reasonable; she’s asking for the moon.
14. Moonlit night
Meaning: A night illuminated by the moon.
Example: They walked under a moonlit night.
15. Sail to the moon
Meaning: Pursue an impossible dream.
Example: He’s always trying to sail to the moon with his ideas.
16. Moon-faced
Meaning: Having a round and pale face.
Example: The child’s innocent, moon-faced smile warmed everyone’s heart.
17. Moonlight flit
Meaning: To leave secretly at night, typically to avoid paying rent.
Example: They did a moonlight flit to avoid their debts.
18. Moonlighting
Meaning: Working a second job, usually secretly.
Example: She’s moonlighting to earn extra money.
19. Blue moon
Meaning: A rare event or occurrence.
Example: A deal like this happens once in a blue moon.
20. Under the moon
Meaning: At night or in the evening.
Example: They shared secrets under the moon.
