once in a lifetime

1. Extremely rare, especially as an opportunity. For example, An offer like that will come just once in a lifetime. This phrase, often used hyperbolically, was first recorded in 1854. Also see of one's life.

Example Sentences

The 19-year-old said when Sopal chose to dance to Sapphire on the show, she "really wanted a dhol player" and a quick internet search led to his "once in a lifetime" experience.

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The after-action report called the January blaze a “once in a lifetime cataclysmic event” and praised the heroic actions of many officers, but said the LAPD’s missteps presented a “valuable learning opportunity” with more climate-related disasters likely looming in the future.

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"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

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“The confluence of issues is once in a lifetime,” said Sam Fiorani, an analyst with consulting firm AutoForecast Solutions.

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He said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually start that reform that policing needs, and it will be a missed opportunity if it's not properly funded from the start."

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Related Words

• unbelievable