Ask for the moon Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈæsk/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmun

ASK for thuh MOON

UK

ˈɑːsk/ /fˈɔː/ /ðə, ði/ /mˈuːn

AASK faw theh MOON

Definition

To request something that is impossible or extremely difficult to get.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often used when rejecting an unrealistic request. Common with 'expect the moon' and sometimes said with humor or exaggeration. Not literal—used only for impossible or unreasonable demands.

• Spanish: pedir la luna - pedir algo imposible
• Portuguese (BR): pedir a lua - pedir algo impossível
• Portuguese (PT): pedir a lua - pedir algo impossível
• Chinese (Simplified): 异想天开 - 要求不可能
• Chinese (Traditional): 異想天開 - 要求不可能
• Hindi: चाँद (तारों) की मांग करना - असंभव माँग करना
• Arabic: يطلب المستحيل - يطلب القمر
• Bengali: অসম্ভব কিছু চাওয়া - চাঁদ চাওয়া
• Russian: просить невозможного - требовать невозможного
• Japanese: 無理なことを頼む - 月をねだる
• Vietnamese: đòi hỏi điều không thể - đòi hỏi quá đáng
• Korean: 불가능한 것을 요구하다 - 달을 달라고 하다
• Turkish: imkânsızı istemek - olmayacak bir şeyi istemek
• Urdu: ناممکن چیز مانگنا
• Indonesian: meminta sesuatu yang mustahil - meminta bulan

Example Sentences

You can't ask for the moon—we don't have the money.

basic

She always asks for the moon when she wants something.

basic

Don't ask for the moon—be reasonable.

basic

Are you really asking for the moon again? We just can't do that.

natural

I know it's like asking for the moon, but could you finish it by tomorrow?

natural

Sometimes, customers ask for the moon and expect us to deliver.

natural