The moon at Udaipur palace

Image credit: https://my-moon.org/installations/india-tour/

The moon has always evoked awe and  a sense of mystery. This photo is of the art installation, Museum of the Moon, which is currently touring India.

Vocabulary with the moon

Let’s look at some idioms and words with the moon:

1. once in a blue moon

It refers to an event which hardly ever occurs.

The principal visits us once in a blue moon.

2. moonlighting 

This word has a slight negative implication. It means working at a second job, which one does not declare to the authorities, so as to avoid paying taxes. One is doing something secretive in the dim moonlight.

3. moonshine

This term means illicit liquor. Again, it is related to something which should not be exposed to bright sunlight. And that is how the moon enters the picture.

4. over the moon

When you’re over the moon, you’re really happy and excited.

5. to promise the moon 

Our politicians often do this before an election. To promise the moon is to make promises which would be very difficult to keep.

6. asking for the moon 

If you want or expect too much, then, yes: you are asking for the moon.

The client is so unreasonable; she’s asking for the moon!

On a clear night sky look up and think of an idiom with the moon. It’s a good way to improve your vocabulary.

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