PhrasesHub

made in the moonlight

    Definitions

      • of poor quality
        To describe something as poorly made or of low quality

      • of questionable origin
        To suggest that something is suspicious or of dubious authenticity

    Examples of made in the moonlight

    • The delicate flowers in the garden seemed to be made in the moonlight, so pare and light were they.

      This idiom is used to describe something that appears to be so fragile and graceful as if it were created by the soft and gentle light of the moon. In other words, the flowers seem so ethereal and delicate that it appears as if they were created by the light of the moon instead of by traditional means.

    • The sweet melody of the birds singing in the yard came made in the moonlight, as their voices carried softly on the breeze.

      This idiom is used to describe something that seems to be created or produced by the soft and gentle sounds of the moonlit surroundings. In this example, the bird's song seems to be so enthralling and enchanting that it appears as if the sound is being created by the soft light of the moon rather than by the birds themselves.

    • The gentle lullaby sung by the mother to her child seemed made in the moonlight, as the soothing sound calmed both the child and the parent.

      This idiom is used to describe something that creates a calming, peaceful, or enchanting effect as if it were created by the soft light of the moon. In this particular example, the mother's lullaby appears so soothing and peaceful that it appears to be created by the light of the moon rather than by the mother's voice.

    • The intricate tapestry woven by the artisan appeared made in the moonlight, with its delicate threads twinkling in the faint glow.

      This idiom is used to describe something that seems to be so intricate, delicate, and refined as though it were created by the soft light of the moon. In this case, the artisan's tapestry appears to be so finely woven that it appears as if it were constructed by the gentle light of the moon rather than by the artisan's hand.

    • The thief claimed that the precious diamond was made in the moonlight, implying that it was a fake or of inferior quality, since diamonds cannot be formed under the light of the moon.

      The idiom "made in the moonlight" is used figuratively to describe something that is not genuine or authentic, as if it has been created under unusual or unnatural circumstances. Its origin is not entirely clear, but it likely stems from the belief that silver is said to lose its brightness when exposed to moonlight, and hence, anything crafted under the dim glow of the moon was considered inferior in quality. The phrase has since been applied more broadly to any object or situation that is dubious, spurious, or counterfeit. This idiom is useful in situations where one wants to suggest that something is not what it seems or lacks credibility, as it adds a sense of absurdity and unwarrantedness to the scenario.

    • The delicate porcelain figurine was said to have been made in the moonlight, as its pale hue and intricate details seemed to radiate a dreamlike quality under the faint moonbeams.

      This idiom is used to describe something that appears otherworldly or has a mysterious and ethereal quality. It suggests that the object, in this case, the porcelain figurine, was made in a magical or mystical environment, such as under the soft glow of the moon.

    • The starry sky seemed to guide the artist's hand as she effortlessly painted the canvas in the moonlight, infusing each stroke with a celestial essence that almost seemed to glow.

      This example personifies the night sky, depicting it as a guiding force that lent its celestial qualities to the artist's work as she painted under its gentle glow. It highlights the mystical and magical aura that the moonlight creates, and how it can impact the creative process.

    • The castle, shrouded in mist and surrounded by a moat, exuded an aura of mystery that was said to have been cultivated by its legendary origins, with some stories suggesting that it was built in the moonlight by enchanting fairies.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a place that exudes an otherworldly and mysterious vibe due to its origins or history. Here, it suggests that the castle was built in a mystical environment, under the glow of the moon, which has contributed to its legendary and mysterious status.Note: I'd be happy to provide more examples, just let me know!


    Conclusion

    The idiom "made in the moonlight" is used to convey two main meanings. The first is to describe something as of poor quality or poorly made. The second is to suggest that something is of questionable origin or suspicious. Both meanings imply a lack of reliability or authenticity.

    In everyday conversation, this idiom is used to express doubt or skepticism about the quality or origin of something, such as a product or a story. It can also be used to caution against accepting or using something that may not be trustworthy or genuine.

    Overall, "made in the moonlight" is a colorful and evocative idiom that effectively communicates a sense of doubt or suspicion.

    Origin of "made in the moonlight"

    The origin of the idiom "made in the moonlight" is unclear, but it likely stems from the association of darkness with secrecy and dubious activities. The image of something being made in the moonlight implies that it was created under cover of darkness, away from the scrutiny of daylight. This association with darkness may have led to the idiom being used to describe things of questionable quality or origin.

    The use of "moonlight" in the idiom also adds a touch of mystery and romance, further enhancing its figurative meaning. It is possible that the idiom originated in the context of craftsmanship, with the idea that items made in the moonlight would be of inferior quality due to the lack of proper lighting. Over time, the idiom's meaning expanded to include a broader sense of suspicion and doubt about the authenticity of something. Regardless of its exact origins, "made in the moonlight" has become a widely recognized idiom in the English language.