once in a lifetime
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.
Words Nearby once in a lifetime
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use once in a lifetime in a sentence
The current energy and industrial boom, according to Siemens President Joe Kaeser, “is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
The Rustbelt Roars Back From the Dead | Joel Kotkin, Richey Piiparinen | December 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTFor people who love history, this is a once-in-a-lifetime, once-in-history resource.
Not that this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle is likely to come to pass.
Bring on the Made-for-Reality-TV District Race Down South | Michelle Cottle | February 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTInvestors will view the Facebook IPO as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Beware the Facebook Hype: Investors Encourage Company’s Insane IPO | Dan Lyons | February 1, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTCharity auction site charitybuzz to host a star-studded line-up of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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