IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishonce in a lifetime
Meaning: So rare that it will probably happen only once.
Example: “Seeing the eclipse from the mountain was once in a lifetime.”
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 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.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- 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.
Keep exploring