What is cow jumping over the moon?

The phrase "cow jumping over the moon" comes from the popular nursery rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle". The rhyme dates back to at least the 1500s and has been a beloved children's rhyme ever since.

In the rhyme, a cow is depicted as jumping over the moon, accompanied by other animals such as a cat and a fiddle-playing dog. The moon serves as an embellishment in the story, making the picture more fantastical and imaginative.

The concept of a cow jumping over the moon has become a symbol of something seemingly impossible, leading to modern-day metaphors such as "reaching for the moon" and "out of this world."

While it is not possible for cows to jump over the moon, there have been instances of cows jumping over fences and obstacles in agricultural events and rodeos. However, this is more in the realm of athletic ability than a literal depiction of cows defying the laws of physics.