English Vocabulary for learners
Expressions with 'ONCE'
from: 'at once'
to: '(just) the once'
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| at once | At the same time; immediately | -You can't ride two horses at once. -I recognized the man at once. |
| all at once | Suddenly, without warning | “All at once a storm broke out and we ran for shelter.” |
| all at once | Simultaneously | "One at a time please, not all at once." |
| for once just this once |
On this particular occasion | “I’ll forgive you for once/just this once … but don’t do it again!” |
| once | 1) one time only 2) at a time in the past 3) as soon as 4) not forever |
1) “I’ve just met the owner once since we moved in.” 2) “He once owned in a restaurant near the beach.” 3) “She’s is a nice person once you get to know her.” 4) “Come on, you're only young once - now’s the time to have fun!” |
| once a ... always a ... | Someone who has a natural ability to do something never loses that ability. | Once a teacher, always a teacher. Once a liar, always a liar. |
| once again once more |
One more time | “Once again/once more he arrived late and delayed everyone.” |
| once and again once in a while |
Occasionally, not often | “We meet each other once and again/once in a while.” |
| once in a blue moon | Rarely | They only see each other once in a blue moon." |
| once in a lifetime | Unlikely to happen again | “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t miss!” |
| once and for all | One final time; completely | “This will solve the problem once and for all.” |
| once too often | Too many times; repeatedly | “This time the boy deserves to be punished. He’s done it once too often!” |
| once upon a time | Long ago Often begins children’s stories… |
“Once upon a time there was a little girl called Red Riding Hood.” |
| once-over | (Give or get) examine quickly | “Can you give my presentation a once-over? Check if there are any typos.” |
| the once | On one single occasion | I saw him just the once so I remember him only vaguely." |