once upon a time
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On some past occasion, as in I may have sung this piece once upon a time, but I don't really remember it. This phrase, first recorded in 1595, is frequently used as the opening line of fairy tales and stories told to children, as in Once upon a time there was a king who had three beautiful daughters.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Words nearby once upon a time
once in a while, Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once-over, once-over-lightly, oncer, once upon a time, onchocerciasis, oncidium, on cloud nine, onco-, oncogene
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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