moon on a stick

the moon on a stick

1. (idiomatic) Everything; all that one could desire (especially as an unreasonable demand).
   • 2002, Donald Clarke, Billie Holiday: Wishing on the Moon:

     Once I saved twenty-five dollars and bought her a print gown for her birthday, and she was so pleased you'd have thought I'd given her the moon on a stick.

   • 2002, Martin Parker, Utopia and organization:

     There is no point in asking for the moon on a stick, but we can produce cheap sticks through a sensible division of labour and sell them with effective market segmentation strategies. Leave the moon for dreamers.

   • 2006, Stella Hyde; Tonwen Jones, Snarling Tiger, Dirty Rat:

     You promise partners the moon on a stick, so that you can snatch it back easily when you change your mind.

   • 2007, Pamela Cotterill; Sue Jackson; Gayle Letherby, Challenges and Negotiations for Women in Higher Education:

     What more do I want — the moon on a stick of course.

• ask for the moon