once in a lifetime
Meaning: So rare that it will probably happen only once.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Seeing the eclipse from the mountain was once in a lifetime.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A plain measure of rarity, common from the 19th century; "once-in-a-lifetime chance" is a frequent pairing.
Equivalents in other languages
- Japanese: 一期一会 (Ichi-go ichi-e) — literally: One time one meeting
More idioms — Daily Life
- out of one's league — Too good, attractive or expensive for someone to have a chance with.
- a stroke of luck — A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune.
- if at first you don't succeed, try, try again — Keep trying after failure.
- look before you leap — Think carefully before acting.
- love is blind — People in love do not see the faults of the one they love.
- word gets around — News and rumors spread quickly from person to person.
More English idioms
- cook the books — To falsify figures, especially accounts.
- no room to swing a cat — A very small or cramped space.
- a snake in the grass — A treacherous person who pretends to be a friend.
- give one's eyeteeth for something — To want something very badly.
- like chalk and cheese — Completely different, though perhaps similar at first glance.
- blush to the roots of one's hair — To go very red with embarrassment.
From our compliments & insults
- Tu déchires — You're awesome — you totally rock.
- Eres un sol — You're a lovely, warm-hearted person.
- Eres más bueno que el pan — You are a genuinely good, kind soul.