once upon a time

Idioms and Phrases

On some past occasion, as in I may have sung this piece once upon a time, but I don't really remember it . This phrase, first recorded in 1595, is frequently used as the opening line of fairy tales and stories told to children, as in Once upon a time there was a king who had three beautiful daughters .

Example Sentences

Once upon a time, there were four-quadrant films in virtually every genre.

From Los Angeles Times

Once upon a time, it was possible to believe Donald Trump would set aside rancor and lies and be a president for us all.

From Los Angeles Times

Once upon a time, we all understood this.

From Salon

I got my ear pierced there drunkenly once upon a time.

From Los Angeles Times

That final gut punch is a tribute to Madison, who played a member of the Manson Family in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood,” a movie that continues to cement a place in the casting hall of fame.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• already
• before
• earlier
• formerly
• late
• previously