once in a lifetime

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

"One of the most exciting discoveries in this research is that it is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this Treaty. I'm cautiously optimistic, but we can't squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

From Science Daily

He said his neighbors need to realize that the water companies were all facing “a once-in-a-lifetime fire event” — though history has shown this area is in a corridor known for wildfires, with several major blazes occurring over the last few decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, Ms Le Roux expressed her excitement about the chance to represent South Africa on the Miss Universe stage terming it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my voice to be heard".

From BBC

Major League Baseball has a once-in-a-lifetime player in the World Series, a once-in-a-generation clash of the titans as the matchup, a blessed chance to reclaim at least some of the verity behind the phrase “national pastime.”

From Los Angeles Times

The real threat, says the country's opposition, represented in the forthcoming elections by several pro-Western coalitions, is the loss of Georgian democracy along with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the European Union.

From BBC

Related Words

• unbelievable