all at once

Idioms  

1. All at the same time, as in We can't get inside all at once, so please wait your turn . [Late 1300s]

2. Suddenly, unexpectedly, as in All at once the sky darkened . For a synonym, see all of a sudden .

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Example Sentences

For investors who have been in a mutual fund for many years, a change in strategy can cause a fund to book what is effectively many years of gains all at once.

From MarketWatch

Olsen: What has it been like to have the low of that contrast with the high of what you’ve been going through with “Weapons”? That just seems like a lot to happen all at once.

From Los Angeles Times

When you eat a huge burrito, the biggest dilemma is whether you should save half for later or eat the beast all at once.

From Los Angeles Times

He flattened the paper against the floor, so he could see every word all at once.

From Literature

This delayed infall means the entire star does not collapse all at once.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• again
• formerly
• later
• next
• suddenly