the moon on a stick
All that one could desire, especially as an unreasonable demand; everything.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He wants the moon on a stick for his birthday.”
“She wants a luxury car for a tiny price, truly the moon on a stick.”
“You cannot have the moon on a stick and expect everyone to work for free.”
“You cannot expect a promotion and a double salary; you are asking for the moon on a stick.”
“The new manager expects us to double our sales without any extra budget, which is basically asking for the moon on a stick.”
“My brother thinks he can find a quiet apartment in the city center for very low rent, but he is just chasing the moon on a stick.”
“If you want a job that pays well, has no stress, and offers four months of vacation, you are looking for the moon on a stick.”
“The client demanded perfect results within an impossible timeframe, as if he expected the moon on a stick.”
The expression, recorded since the 1990s, likely references a children’s toy or a festive decoration. It describes a desire for the unobtainable, specifically a request for a celestial body mounted upon a piece of timber. The phrase remains a standard idiom for an impossible demand.
- 01
ask for the moon
To claim or desire something that one cannot have.
- 02
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 03
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 04
blue moon
A long time.
- 05
carrot and stick
The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.
- 06
clue stick
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
- 07
get on the stick
To get started; to begin working; to become active.
- 08
get stuck in
To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.
Last updated August 10, 2026