once in a while

Idioms  

1. Occasionally, not very often, as in Once in a while I enjoy going fishing. [Mid-1800s] Also see every now and then; from time to time.

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Example Sentences

But every once in a while, we get a little wink, an ounce of good luck, an unearned gift, a happy accident, and this recipe falls in that category.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Every once in a while she will run across an item or article asking the question: “Whatever happened to Jane Kaczmarek?”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Every once in a while, we review our past stock picks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

We needed to be on the right side of things once in a while.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Every once in a while Mama will ask me, “Don’t you want a little variety, Ida B?”

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan