ONCE Meaning and
Definition
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Once is an adverb that means at one specific point in the past or in the future. It indicates an action, event, or circumstance that occurred or will occur on a solitary occasion. It refers to a single occurrence rather than a repetition, emphasizing the uniqueness or singular nature of the action or event. For example, "I once visited Paris" implies that the speaker visited Paris at some point in the past, but it does not imply that they have been there multiple times.
Once can also mean "at the same time" or "simultaneously." For instance, "Once we arrived at the party, the celebrations began" suggests that the celebrations started as soon as the speaker and others arrived at the party.
Additionally, once can be used to express a condition with the meaning of "if" or "in the event that." It introduces a hypothetical situation or condition. An example sentence might be "Once you finish your work, you can go out and play."
In some contexts, "once" can also function as a noun, denoting a single occurrence or opportunity. For instance, "You only get one shot, so make it count. You only live once." This usage became popularized in modern vernacular by the acronym "YOLO," which stands for "You Only Live Once."
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• One time, but no more; a single time; all at one time; formerly.
• One time; the same time; at once, at the same point of time; immediately; once and again, at repeated times; repeatedly.
• A species of wild-cat-see ounce.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ONCE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ONCE
Etymology of ONCE
The word "once" originated from the Old English word "anes" or "an" which meant "one time" or "one" respectively. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word *ainaz. This ultimately stems from the Proto-Indo-European root *oi-no-, which meant "one" or "alone". The word has remained relatively unchanged throughout its history in various Germanic languages, including Old High German "einz" and Middle Dutch "eens", before settling into its current form in Modern English.
Idioms with the word ONCE
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for once
The idiom "for once" means on one occasion or for a change, often denoting a departure from typical behavior or expectations. It suggests doing something different or doing something that others might not expect from a person.
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measure twice and cut once
The idiom "measure twice and cut once" means to carefully plan and double-check all necessary details before taking action, especially in situations where irreversible actions or decisions are involved. It emphasizes the importance of being thorough and attentive to prevent mistakes or wastefulness.
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once you go black, you never go back
The idiom "once you go black, you never go back" is a phrase often used to describe someone who has had a romantic or intimate relationship with a person of African descent and is suggesting that they will continue to prefer and be attracted to individuals of that racial background in the future.
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Christmas comes but once a year
The idiom "Christmas comes but once a year" means that the holiday season only occurs once annually, emphasizing that it is a special and unique occasion. It implies that one should fully embrace and enjoy the festive spirit and traditions associated with Christmas because they are not available throughout the year.
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ride two horses at once
The idiom "ride two horses at once" means to try to be involved or loyal to two conflicting or incompatible things or people at the same time. It refers to a situation of dividing one's attention, commitment, or allegiance between two opposing interests or responsibilities, often leading to difficulties, indecisiveness, or a lack of dedication to either.
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once the dust has settled
The idiom "once the dust has settled" means after a chaotic or turbulent situation has calmed down or resolved, allowing for a clear understanding or assessment of the circumstances. It conveys the idea that once the initial commotion or confusion has settled, things become clearer and people can make rational judgments or decisions.
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difficult is done at once the impossible takes a little longer
The idiom "difficult is done at once, the impossible takes a little longer" means that while something difficult can be accomplished immediately or relatively quickly, achieving something that is seemingly impossible or extremely challenging requires more time, effort, and perseverance. It emphasizes the importance of patience and determination in tackling seemingly insurmountable tasks.
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once and future
The idiom "once and future" refers to someone or something that has existed in the past, is currently present, and is anticipated to continue into the future. It implies a continuous or cyclical nature of existence or occurrence.
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Fool me once, shame on you fool me twice, shame on me.
The idiom "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" means that if someone deceives or takes advantage of you once, it is their fault and they should bear the shame or blame. However, if you allow the same person to deceive or take advantage of you again, it is your own fault and you should be ashamed for being fooled repeatedly. This idiom emphasizes the importance of being cautious and learning from past experiences to avoid being tricked or deceived again.
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(every) once in a while
The idiom "(every) once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently, implying that something happens or is done irregularly or with some degree of randomness or unpredictability. It refers to events or actions that occur from time to time, but not regularly or consistently.
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once again
The idiom "once again" means that something is happening, occurring, or being done again, after it has happened or been done before. It refers to a repetition or a return to a previous state or situation.
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once bitten, twice shy
The idiom "once bitten, twice shy" means that after a bad experience or being hurt once, a person becomes cautious and reluctant to take the same risk or be in a similar situation again. It implies that someone who has been hurt in the past is more likely to be careful and hesitant in the future to avoid getting hurt again.
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word (once) spoken is past recalling
The idiom "a word (once) spoken is past recalling" means that once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back or undone. It refers to the idea that once something is said, it cannot be unsaid, and the consequences or effects of those words can linger and cannot be erased.
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once a something, always a something
The idiom "once a something, always a something" typically refers to the idea that a person's characteristics or behavior is unlikely to change, as their true nature remains constant throughout their life. It suggests that no matter how a person may try to change or pretend, their innate qualities will always resurface.
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once upon a time
The phrase "once upon a time" is an idiom used to begin a story or fairy tale. It indicates that the events being described took place at some unspecified time in the past and often signifies the beginning of a fictional or imaginative narrative.
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One cannot be in two places at once
The idiom "One cannot be in two places at once" means that it is physically impossible for someone to be present or involved in two different locations or situations simultaneously. It highlights the limitations of an individual's ability to be in multiple places or handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
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at once
The idiom "at once" means immediately or without hesitation. It implies taking prompt action or executing something without any delay.
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all at once
The idiom "all at once" means simultaneously or suddenly and unexpectedly happening many things or situations at the same time or in a very short span.
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once in a lifetime
The idiom "once in a lifetime" refers to a unique, rare, or extraordinary experience that is unlikely to happen again in a person's lifetime. It emphasizes the singular nature and special opportunity of the event or occurrence.
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once in a blue moon
The idiom "once in a blue moon" refers to something that happens very rarely or infrequently, often denoting an event or occurrence that is not common or happens once in a long time.
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once again/once more
The idiom "once again" or "once more" means to repeat an action, event, or situation that has already occurred. It implies doing something one more time or returning to a previous state or condition.
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once in a while
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or periodically, referring to something that happens or occurs infrequently or not regularly.
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once bitten
The idiom "once bitten" means that after experiencing a negative or unpleasant event, a person becomes cautious or hesitant in similar situations, learning from their previous bad experience.
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if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times
The idiom "if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times" is a phrase used to express irritation or frustration when someone repeatedly fails to remember or follow a particular instruction, advice, or warning despite being reminded numerous times. It emphasizes the speaker's exasperation and the frequency of their attempts to convey the message.
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you only live once
The idiom "you only live once" is an expression often used to encourage people to take risks, seize opportunities, and live life to the fullest. It suggests that life is short and should be filled with exciting and meaningful experiences, emphasizing the importance of not letting fear or hesitation hold one back.
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measure twice, cut once
The idiom "measure twice, cut once" means that it is better to carefully plan and evaluate something before taking action, in order to avoid making mistakes or needing to redo the task. It emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation and attention to detail before initiating an action or decision. By taking the time to double-check and ensure accuracy, the idiom encourages efficiency and precision.
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once hell freezes over
The idiom "once hell freezes over" is used to express extreme doubt or disbelief about the occurrence of something. It suggests that an event or situation is highly unlikely or impossible to happen in the foreseeable future.
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Opportunity knocks but once
The idiom "Opportunity knocks but once" means that opportunities are rare and do not come often, emphasizing the importance of seizing them when they arise. It suggests that one must be alert and prepared to take advantage of a favorable situation as it may not present itself again in the future.
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once and for all
The idiom "once and for all" means to settle or resolve something conclusively and permanently, in a definitive or final manner, without any need for further discussion, action, or repetition. It implies a decisive and irrevocable resolution.
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once or twice
The idiom "once or twice" means on a few occasions or a small number of times. It suggests that something has happened or been done infrequently.
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once more
The idiom "once more" means to repeat or do something again, suggesting an action or event will occur for the second time or more.
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Once a priest, always a priest,
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once and again
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once a…, always a…
This idiom implies that once someone displays a certain characteristic or behavior, they will always have that characteristic or behavior. It suggests that a person's nature or habits are unlikely or unable to change.
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give (one) the once-over
To visually inspect someone or something thoroughly, usually to evaluate them or their appearance.
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once, twice, etc. removed
The phrase "once, twice, etc. removed" refers to the number of generations separating two relatives. For example, a cousin once removed is a cousin who is one generation away from being a direct cousin, such as the child of your first cousin. The more times removed, the further the relationship is from being a straight line of descent from a common ancestor.
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give someone/something a once-over
To give someone or something a quick, cursory examination or inspection.
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give someone the once-over
To look at someone or something carefully and critically, often to form an opinion or judgment.
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skin the bear at once
The idiom "skin the bear at once" means to tackle a difficult or challenging task immediately and head-on, rather than procrastinating or avoiding it. It refers to taking action decisively and without delay.
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once-in-a-lifetime chance
A once-in-a-lifetime chance is an opportunity or experience that is extremely rare and likely to happen only once in a person's lifetime.
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if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times
This idiom is used to express frustration or exasperation with someone who repeatedly fails to heed advice or instructions despite being told numerous times. It implies that the speaker has already given the same information or warning multiple times and is now feeling irritated or impatient.
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once-over-lightly
A superficial examination or review of something, often done quickly and without much attention to detail.
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give somebody/something a/the once-over
To give somebody/something a/the once-over means to quickly inspect or examine someone or something in a casual or cursory manner.
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give (something) a once-over
To give something a once-over means to quickly look at or examine something in a brief and cursory manner.
Similar spelling words for ONCE
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