Word of the week: Blue moon, phenomenon and idiom!
On January 31st 2018, on the right side of the moon, you can get a glimpse of a lunar phenomenon, a Super Blood Blue Moon. What on “Earth” is that? It’s not on Earth, it’s in space! Let’s take a look at some terms and English moon idioms and sayings.
Shadow: a dark shape created when light is blocked by another object
Lunar eclipse: when a full moon passes behind the Earth into its shadow when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned
Total lunar eclipse: when all direct sunlight is blocked and light is refracted and often appears red aka a
Blood moon: when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow during a total lunar eclipse giving it a red tint thanks to the light bending around the Earth
Supermoon: when the Moon is closest to Earth and seems to be bigger and brighter than usual
and then there is blue moon
Blue moon
The second full moon in a calendar month
AND
We use it as an idiom to say rarely.
Once in a blue moon.
He visits his mom once in a blue moon.
(The italian equivalent, equally as rare, would be ogni morte di Papa-literally, each time a pope dies.)
A Super Blood Blue Moon, is all of these phenomenon happening simultaneously! Get the live feed on NASA
More Moon sayings that are out of this world
Over the moon: delighted
To be really happy about something: Francesca was over the moon with her English test scores, it means she can go to University in the States!
Ask for the moon
To ask for a lot, essentially the impossible: Am I asking for the moon if I just want a little peace?
Many moons ago
A long time ago: I went to Paris many moons ago, i’m sure it has changed since then.
Promise the moon
To promise more than you can give: Presidential candidates promise the moon to get votes.
and last but not least
Honeymoon
The traditional holiday after a wedding to celebrate and consumate the marriage: They left for their honeymoon right after the ceremony!
English with Maka is “out of space”!