Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Alex1]

What's the meaning of the expression "many a time"? If it's "many", then why "a" after the plural?

Is there a rule explaining the expression?

Thanks in advance.

[Hayde]

many a time = many times.

I have no idea why people say this, there is no rule for it, just another exception. It sounds like old English to me. Can anyone else back me up or correct me on this one.