once in a lifetime
1
used for referring to a very special opportunity that most likely will not be offered more than once to someone
The idiom "once in a lifetime" is believed to have emerged in the English language as a figurative expression to describe a unique or extraordinary event that is unlikely to happen again in a person's lifetime. It is often used when describing travel experiences to extraordinary destinations, witnessing natural phenomena like eclipses or meteor showers, participating in significant cultural or sporting events, or encountering rare opportunities in one's personal or professional life.
- They experience moments that happen only once in a lifetime.
- He feels that this chance only comes once in a lifetime.
- They witnessed a sight that happens only once in a lifetime.
- If they win the competition, they would have an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime.
- If she could meet her idol, it would be a moment that happens only once in a lifetime.