Idioms are wonderful figurative expressions where the combined words create a special meaning entirely different from their literal definitions. People use them to make their speaking and writing more colorful, lively, and expressive. In this article, you will learn fifty unique idioms related to doing things rarely, infrequently, and on special occasions.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean actions happening very seldom or almost never. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Rarely
1. Once in a blue moon
Definition: An event or action that happens very rarely and infrequently.
Used in a Sentence: He loves playing outdoor video games, but his parents only let him do it once in a blue moon. / Getting to see a total solar eclipse in your hometown happens only once in a blue moon.
Similar Expressions: Very rarely / Seldom ever
2. When pigs fly
Definition: An idiom used to describe something that will almost never happen because it is impossible.
Used in a Sentence: He said he would clean up his entire bedroom when pigs fly. / Expecting the cat to voluntarily jump into a bathtub full of water is like waiting for pigs to fly.
Similar Expressions: Never happening / Total impossibility
3. Hard as hen’s teeth
Definition: Something that is completely scarce and almost never found.
Used in a Sentence: Finding a parking space right in front of the school gate during morning drop-off is as hard as hen’s teeth. / Genuine vintage comic books in perfect condition are as rare as hen’s teeth.
Similar Expressions: Extremely scarce / Seldom seen
4. Seldom if ever
Definition: Happening on very few occasions, or almost not at all.
Used in a Sentence: She seldom if ever forgets to bring her library books back on time. / The old car broke down seldom if ever during their short trips to town.
Similar Expressions: Almost never / Infrequently
5. On rare occasions
Definition: Moments that take place infrequently and not as part of a normal routine.
Used in a Sentence: On rare occasions, the school cafeteria serves homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert. / He stays up past nine o’clock only on rare occasions during weekends.
Similar Expressions: Infrequently / Once in a while
6. Every now and then
Definition: Actions that happen occasionally rather than regularly or often.
Used in a Sentence: Every now and then, the teacher surprises the class with a fun drawing game. / She enjoys reading mystery novels, picking one up every now and then.
Similar Expressions: Occasionally / From time to time
7. At infrequent intervals
Definition: Events that occur with long gaps of time between them.
Used in a Sentence: The old clock on the church tower chimes at infrequent intervals throughout the day. / Comets can be spotted in the night sky at infrequent intervals.
Similar Expressions: Sporadically / Periodically
8. Once in a great while
Definition: Something that occurs very infrequently after a long stretch of time.
Used in a Sentence: Once in a great while, the family takes a special trip to the mountains for a weekend. / He tastes sweets once in a great while as a special treat.
Similar Expressions: Very seldom / Occasionally
9. Hardly ever
Definition: Used to say that an action takes place on almost zero occasions.
Used in a Sentence: Because he studies every evening, he hardly ever fails a spelling test. / She is very quiet in class and hardly ever raises her hand to speak out of turn.
Similar Expressions: Almost never / Scarcely ever
10. Only on Sundays
Definition: A traditional phrase meaning an activity is done strictly on special days and rarely otherwise.
Used in a Sentence: Grandma’s fine porcelain tea set was used only on Sundays and major holidays. / He wore his favorite dress shoes only on Sundays for church.
Similar Expressions: Rarely used / On special days
11. Scarcely ever
Definition: Happening with extreme rarity or almost no frequency.
Used in a Sentence: The quiet librarian scarcely ever raises her voice above a gentle whisper. / During the dry summer months, it scarcely ever rains in this valley.
Similar Expressions: Hard to find / Almost never
12. At odd times
Definition: Occurring during unusual or irregular moments rather than on a regular schedule.
Used in a Sentence: The stray puppy barked at odd times during the quiet afternoon. / He practiced his guitar chords at odd times between homework assignments.
Similar Expressions: Irregularly / Sporadically
13. Between the cup and the lip
Definition: Something that happens so rarely or gets interrupted at the final moment that you cannot count on it.
Used in a Sentence: Winning the game seemed certain, but slip-ups happen between the cup and the lip. / Do not celebrate your victory too early, because things can change between the cup and the lip.
Similar Expressions: Uncertain outcome / Rare slip
14. Moons apart
Definition: Events or actions separated by vast periods of time, happening very infrequently.
Used in a Sentence: Their family reunions felt like moons apart since they lived across the ocean. / Seeing his cousins from out of state happened moons apart.
Similar Expressions: Long intervals / Ages between
15. Once in a blue moon event
Definition: A specific happening that takes place only on rare, special schedules.
Used in a Sentence: A total lunar eclipse visible from their backyard was a once in a blue moon event. / Having a snow day in their warm hometown felt like a once in a blue moon event.
Similar Expressions: Rare occurrence / Uncommon happening
16. On the rare side
Definition: Describing something that occurs infrequently or is in short supply.
Used in a Sentence: Sunny days during the rainy autumn season were definitely on the rare side. / Good opportunities to win free books at the library were on the rare side.
Similar Expressions: Uncommon / Scarce
17. Few and far between
Definition: Things or events that are very uncommon and happen infrequently.
Used in a Sentence: Warm afternoons in the middle of January were few and far between. / Correct guesses on the difficult puzzle were few and far between.
Similar Expressions: Scarce / Infrequent
18. Not often
Definition: A straightforward way to express that an action happens on very few occasions.
Used in a Sentence: He visits the downtown toy store because it is far away and he goes there not often. / She eats candy bars because mom buys them not often.
Similar Expressions: Rarely / Seldom
19. On rare days
Definition: Specific calendar days when unusual routines or events take place.
Used in a Sentence: On rare days when school closed early, the kids played soccer in the park. / He enjoyed hot cocoa on rare days when a winter blizzard struck.
Similar Expressions: Uncommon days / Special moments
20. Once in a lifetime
Definition: An event so rare that it happens only one time across an entire human lifespan.
Used in a Sentence: Traveling across the ocean to see the ancient ruins was a once in a lifetime trip. / Meeting her favorite author at the local bookstore felt like a once in a lifetime chance.
Similar Expressions: Unique event / Unrepeatable moment
21. Seldom seen
Definition: People or objects that appear in public on very rare occasions.
Used in a Sentence: Nocturnal creatures like badgers are seldom seen during daytime hours. / The shy author was seldom seen outside of her writing studio.
Similar Expressions: Rarely spotted / Hard to find
22. In a leap year
Definition: An event happening on an extra calendar day that occurs only once every four years, signifying extreme rarity.
Used in a Sentence: Organizing a massive schoolwide talent show happened about as often as a leap year. / He celebrated his special hobby club meeting only in a leap year.
Similar Expressions: Every four years / Extremely rare
23. Only when pushed
Definition: Doing something only under extreme necessity, otherwise refusing or rarely doing it.
Used in a Sentence: He spoke up in front of large crowds only when pushed by his teacher. / She volunteered to clean the classroom whiteboard only when pushed.
Similar Expressions: Reluctantly / Almost never willingly
24. At random intervals
Definition: Occurring unpredictably and rarely in no fixed pattern.
Used in a Sentence: The old radio emitted static sounds at random intervals during the storm. / The sprinkler system in the school garden turned on at random intervals.
Similar Expressions: Unpredictably / Sporadically
25. Once in a moon’s turn
Definition: A poetic expression for something that happens very seldom.
Used in a Sentence: Visiting the high mountain lookout tower happened once in a moon’s turn. / Getting extra recess time on a Tuesday happened once in a moon’s turn.
Similar Expressions: Infrequently / Very rarely
26. Seldom heard
Definition: Sounds or words that are uttered on very rare occasions.
Used in a Sentence: Compliments from the grumpy neighbor were seldom heard across the fence. / Apologies from the playful puppy after chewing a toy were seldom heard.
Similar Expressions: Rarely spoken / Infrequent sound
27. On odd occasions
Definition: Moments that happen irregularly and infrequently outside of normal habits.
Used in a Sentence: On odd occasions, the school library stayed open late for evening reading clubs. / He wore a bright red tie on odd occasions for school pictures.
Similar Expressions: Irregularly / Occasionally
28. Barely ever
Definition: Used to indicate that an action is performed with extreme rarity.
Used in a Sentence: Because he double-checks his math homework, he barely ever makes calculation errors. / She is very quiet during movies and barely ever whispers to her friends.
Similar Expressions: Scarcely ever / Almost never
29. Like Haley’s Comet
Definition: A scientific reference to an astronomical event that appears only once every seventy-six years, denoting extreme rarity.
Used in a Sentence: Seeing the messy teenager clean his room without being asked happened about as often as Haley’s Comet. / Her appearance at the morning chess club was like Haley’s Comet.
Similar Expressions: Extremely rare / Once in a lifetime
30. Once in a blue moon cycle
Definition: A playful extension describing something that happens on a very delayed schedule.
Used in a Sentence: Baking three-layer chocolate cakes happened once in a blue moon cycle for the family. / Updating the old classroom computer software happened once in a blue moon cycle.
Similar Expressions: Very rarely / Infrequently
31. On the odd day
Definition: A single, unusual calendar day when something out of the ordinary happens.
Used in a Sentence: On the odd day when it snowed in April, the students built a tiny snowman outside. / He ate cereal for dinner on the odd day when mom worked late.
Similar Expressions: Occasionally / On random days
32. At long intervals
Definition: Separated by extensive periods of time between each occurrence.
Used in a Sentence: The historical art exhibition returned to the city at long intervals of ten years. / Family members gathered from distant towns at long intervals.
Similar Expressions: Spaced apart / Infrequently
33. Only on rare occasions
Definition: A direct phrase for actions that take place outside normal routine.
Used in a Sentence: Only on rare occasions did the teacher allow students to choose their own seats. / He ate extra dessert only on rare occasions after winning a sports match.
Similar Expressions: Seldom / Infrequently
34. Once in an eon
Definition: An exaggerated hyperbole meaning something takes an eternity to happen again.
Used in a Sentence: Waiting for the slow computer to load the video game felt like it took once in an eon. / Such peaceful quiet in the busy hallway happened once in an eon.
Similar Expressions: Extremely rare / Ages apart
35. Seldom expressed
Definition: Feelings or thoughts that are spoken aloud on very rare occasions.
Used in a Sentence: His deep worries about the science test were seldom expressed to anyone. / Her secret wish to join the choir was seldom expressed until middle school.
Similar Expressions: Rarely shared / Kept quiet
36. From time to time
Definition: Actions that happen occasionally and infrequently over a period.
Used in a Sentence: From time to time, the art teacher brings in special clay for sculpting projects. / He checks his old stamp collection from time to time.
Similar Expressions: Occasionally / Now and then
37. On sparse occasions
Definition: Moments that happen infrequently with minimal regularity.
Used in a Sentence: On sparse occasions, the school bus arrived early before the morning bell. / She played board games on sparse occasions during family nights.
Similar Expressions: Infrequently / Seldom
38. Once in a blue moon moment
Definition: A brief instance that happens with extreme infrequency.
Used in a Sentence: Catching the elusive wild rabbit on camera was a true once in a blue moon moment. / Getting all answers right on a blind guess was a once in a blue moon moment.
Similar Expressions: Rare instance / Lucky break
39. Almost never
Definition: A clear, everyday phrase meaning an action occurs on very few occasions.
Used in a Sentence: Because he practices every day, he almost never drops the soccer ball. / She is very punctual and almost never misses the morning bell.
Similar Expressions: Hardly ever / Scarcely ever
40. On exceptional days
Definition: Special days when unusual rules or fun events take place rarely.
Used in a Sentence: On exceptional days, the principal allowed extra recess time after lunch. / He wore his favorite costume on exceptional days during book week.
Similar Expressions: Special days / Rare occasions
41. At scattered moments
Definition: Occurrences that happen infrequently and without a fixed schedule.
Used in a Sentence: Ideas for his comic book story came to him at scattered moments during the day. / The rain showers stopped and started at scattered moments throughout the afternoon.
Similar Expressions: Irregularly / Occasionally
42. Seldom attempted
Definition: Difficult tasks or goals that people try to accomplish on very rare occasions.
Used in a Sentence: Building a fully functional robot from spare cardboard parts was seldom attempted by students. / Writing a fifty-page fantasy novel in middle school was seldom attempted.
Similar Expressions: Rarely tried / Uncommon goal
43. Once in a moonlit night
Definition: A poetic expression for an event happening during rare nighttime conditions.
Used in a Sentence: Stargazing with the telescope happened once in a moonlit night during summer camp. / Listening to the outdoor owl hooting happened once in a moonlit night.
Similar Expressions: Rarely at night / Infrequently
44. On very few occasions
Definition: A formal way to express that something happens rarely.
Used in a Sentence: On very few occasions did the strict librarian have to quiet the reading room. / He forgot his gym uniform on very few occasions all year.
Similar Expressions: Rarely / Seldom
45. Now and then
Definition: Happening occasionally and infrequently in the course of daily life.
Used in a Sentence: Now and then, the friendly neighborhood dog would wander over to say hello. / She liked to listen to classical piano music now and then.
Similar Expressions: Occasionally / From time to time
46. At sporadic times
Definition: Events that occur irregularly and infrequently with no pattern.
Used in a Sentence: The classroom printer malfunctioned and printed random pages at sporadic times. / Phone calls from his uncle living abroad came at sporadic times.
Similar Expressions: Irregularly / Intermittently
47. Seldom visited
Definition: Places that people travel to on very rare occasions.
Used in a Sentence: The quiet corner of the school library behind the history section was seldom visited. / The abandoned path behind the playground was seldom visited by students.
Similar Expressions: Rarely seen / Unfrequented
48. Once in a blue moon occurrence
Definition: Something that takes place on an extremely rare and infrequent schedule.
Used in a Sentence: Finding a four-leaf clover in the school courtyard was a once in a blue moon occurrence. / Total solar eclipses are a fascinating once in a blue moon occurrence.
Similar Expressions: Rare happening / Uncommon event
49. On the odd occasion
Definition: An instance that happens infrequently and unexpectedly.
Used in a Sentence: On the odd occasion, he would eat a pancake for breakfast instead of cereal. / She stayed after school to help clean up on the odd occasion.
Similar Expressions: Occasionally / Once in a while
50. Seldom practiced
Definition: Habits or skills that people work on with extreme rarity.
Used in a Sentence: Playing classical violin pieces was a skill he seldom practiced during soccer season. / Writing cursive letters by hand is a skill seldom practiced by modern students.
Similar Expressions: Rarely done / Infrequent habit
Exercise to Practice
- He loves playing outdoor video games, but his parents only let him do it once in a blue moon.
- When pigs fly means wearing warm pink wool pajamas decorated with flying baby pig pictures to bed.
- Finding a parking space right in front of the school gate during morning drop-off is as hard as hen’s teeth.
- She seldom if ever forgets to bring her library books back on time.
- On rare occasions means wearing bright neon yellow running shoes to school every single morning.
- Every now and then, the teacher surprises the class with a fun drawing game.
- Chimes at infrequent intervals means ringing a handheld school brass bell continuously without stopping for an hour.
- Once in a great while, the family takes a special trip to the mountains for a weekend.
- Hardly ever means running as fast as you can around the school running track during gym class.
- Grandma’s fine porcelain tea set was used only on Sundays and major holidays.
- Nocturnal creatures like badgers are seldom seen during daytime hours.
- Organizing a massive schoolwide talent show happened about as often as a leap year.
- Only when pushed means eating a delicious sweet red strawberry ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
- The old radio emitted static sounds at random intervals during the storm.
- Visiting the high mountain lookout tower happened once in a moon’s turn.
Answer Key
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
Conclusion
Learning idioms about doing things rarely helps you understand how English speakers describe infrequent events and special occurrences. These colorful expressions make your storytelling much more vivid and engaging.
Try using a few of these fun phrases when describing unusual habits or special treats with your friends. You will find that adding rare action idioms to your vocabulary makes sharing your thoughts much more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for doing things rarely?
Some popular idioms for doing things rarely include once in a blue moon, when pigs fly, and seldom if ever. People use these expressions to describe things that happen infrequently or almost never.
Why do people use idioms to talk about frequency?
Idioms turn abstract concepts about time and rarity into memorable, colorful mental pictures. They help people discuss uncommon actions and special events in a relatable, fun way.
How can I practice using these rarity idioms?
You can practice these expressions by writing short stories or matching them to everyday scenarios like weekend treats. Reviewing true and false practice statements is also a great way to check your understanding.
Are frequency and rarity idioms used in casual conversation?
These expressions are frequently used in everyday casual speech, stories, and creative writing. They are widely recognized across all English-speaking regions.
Can an idiom help explain why something happens seldom?
Using phrases like once in a blue moon or as hard as hen’s teeth helps others understand the exact scarcity of an event instantly. It transforms ordinary descriptions into clear, memorable imagery.
