BUT ONCE Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "but once" is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in English language. It is used to emphasize rarity or exclusivity, suggesting that something happens or has happened only on a single occasion.
The term "but" in this context is used as a conjunction to imply restriction or limitation. It indicates that the action being referred to is confined or limited to a single occurrence. Meanwhile, "once" refers to a single time or instance. Thus, when combined, "but once" essentially means "only once" or "on one occasion."
The expression "but once" is often used to emphasize the scarcity or uniqueness of an event, experience, or opportunity. It implies that the mentioned action or event holds great significance because it is unlikely to reoccur. It conveys the idea that one should seize or cherish the single chance or opportunity presented.
For instance, one might say, "You must visit that breathtaking natural wonder; such beauty comes but once in a lifetime." This statement highlights the extraordinary nature of the experience, emphasizing that the opportunity to witness such magnificence is rare and should not be missed.
In summary, the phrase "but once" conveys the idea of singularity, suggesting that something happens or has happened only once, emphasizing its rarity or exclusivity.
Common Misspellings for BUT ONCE
- vut once
- nut once
- hut once
- gut once
- byt once
- bht once
- bjt once
- bit once
- b8t once
- b7t once
- bur once
- buf once
- bug once
- buy once
- bu6 once
- bu5 once
- but ince
- but knce
- but lnce
- but pnce
Etymology of BUT ONCE
The phrase "but once" is a combination of two individual words: "but" and "once".
The word "but" has a complex etymology. In Old English, it was originally written as "būtan" and meant "outside of" or "without". Over time, its meaning expanded to include "only", "except", or "merely". This latter sense of "only" is the one used in the phrase "but once".
The word "once" comes from the Middle English "ones" or "anones", derived from the Old English word "ānes". It means "one time" or "on one occasion".
When these two words are combined, "but once" takes on the meaning of "only one time" or "only on one occasion". The phrase emphasizes the idea of a singular event or limited occurrence, emphasizing its rarity or infrequency.
Idioms with the word BUT ONCE
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Christmas comes but once a year
The phrase "Christmas comes but once a year" is used to emphasize that Christmas, with all of its festivities and traditions, only occurs once annually and should be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest extent while it lasts.
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Opportunity knocks but once
This idiom means that opportunities are rare and should be seized when they come, as they may not come again.
