Expressions with ONCE
Expressions with ONCE are common in the English language. Here are some of the most common expressions using ONCE and their meanings:
Expressions with ONCE
at once – At the same time; immediately. You can’t ride two horses 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.
Conclusion
Expressions with ONCE are very common in English. They allow us to express ideas like one time only, in the past, immediately, occasionally, rarely, and more. Learning and using these expressions can help improve your English vocabulary and communication skills. The key is to practice using them in context until they become natural.