the moon on a stick

ask for the moon

To claim or desire something that one cannot have.

beat off with a stick

To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).

beat with the ugly stick

Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.

blue moon

A long time.

carrot and stick

The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.

clue stick

A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.

get on the stick

To get started; to begin working; to become active.

hang the moon

To place the moon in the sky: used as an example of a superlative act attributed to someone viewed with uncritical or excessive awe, reverence, or infatuation.