Moon Idioms and What They Mean
Moon idioms are used to talk about happiness, dreams, love, and things that don’t happen often. These expressions use the moon to describe strong feelings or rare events. Here are 8 moon idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
Over the moon
To be very happy.
She was over the moon when she passed the test.
He’s over the moon about his new job.
Once in a blue moon
Something that happens very rarely.
We only see each other once in a blue moon.
That kind of sale happens once in a blue moon.
Promise the moon
To promise something big or impossible.
He promised the moon, but didn’t keep his word.
Politicians often promise the moon during elections.
Ask for the moon
To want something too big or not possible.
She’s asking for the moon—we can’t afford that car.
You’re asking for the moon if you want all that in one day.
Shoot for the moon
To aim for something very high or difficult.
He always says, “Shoot for the moon and never give up.”
She’s shooting for the moon with her dream school.
Many moons ago
A long time ago.
I met her many moons ago, back in school.
That photo was taken many moons ago.
Moon over
To think or dream about someone or something with love or sadness.
He’s been mooning over his ex all week.
She sat by the window, mooning over her lost cat.
Bark at the moon
To complain or protest in a way that changes nothing.
He keeps barking at the moon about his job, but doesn’t try to fix it.
Don’t bark at the moon—you can’t change the rules.
