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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

once in a lifetime

"I think it is going to turn out to be unique, a once in a lifetime thing."

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 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

Female screwworm flies produce eggs only once in a lifetime, and once they mate with a sterile male fly, they’re done with their reproduction cycle without having any offspring.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 2026

I was far too focused and excited to be competing in my first games to let anything ruin a once in a lifetime experience.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• unbelievable