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 .

Related Words

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