Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a blue moon (adv) - very rarely


Origin: Usually there is only one full moon in a calendar month. However, very rarely there are two full moons in a calendar month. The second full moon is called a 'blue moon'.

Proper Usage: 'Once in a blue moon' is used to talk about habits or events that happen very rarely. This phrase is not for one time events.

Example Sentences:

• Because my grandmother lives so far away from us, we visit her once in a blue moon.
• Our city is not very big, so my favorite band only performs here once in a blue moon.

Discussion Questions:

• What is something you do once in a blue moon?
• What is something that happens in your city or country once in a blue moon?

Tie the Knot

Tie the knot (v) - to get married


Origin: A long time ago, the bride and the groom would tie their hands together during the wedding ceremony with a rope or cloth to show they are now one family.

Proper Usage: After the word 'knot', use the preposition 'with' before the object of the sentence.

Example Sentences:

• My sister will tie the knot with her boyfriend next month.
• My parents tied the knot when they were 22 years old.

Discussion Questions:

• When do you want to tie the knot? or When did you tie the knot?
• Who in your family has tied the knot?
• What is the best age to tie the knot at?