once in a lifetime

Idioms  

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

See Examples For:

once in a lifetime

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the company to really look at strategic alternatives seriously,” Rogers said in an interview.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

One young girl, Charlotte, said: "It's really exciting because the next time I'll see one, I'll be a lot older. It's like a once in a lifetime opportunity."

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Agarwal told AFP in Mumbai.

From Barron's ● Jul. 31, 2026

“This is Truly a once in a lifetime find,” Brown wrote on Instagram in January.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

Jack had told her that sometimes, once in a lifetime or so, a coconut could make a pearl just the same way an oyster did, but Nim had never thought she’d see one.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• unbelievable

---