lifetime
a legend in (one's) own lifetime
A person who has an extraordinary level of fame or reputation while they are still alive. The singer has made such a huge impact on the world of blues that she's come to be a legend in her own lifetime.
See also: legend, lifetime, own
chance of a lifetime
An extremely important and/or fortuitous opportunity, especially one that is not likely to ever present itself again. Often (but not always) used hyperbolically. They offered me the chance of a lifetime to travel the world and write about my experiences abroad. Make sure you take advantage of our sale, it's a chance of a lifetime!
See also: chance, lifetime, of
of a lifetime
Used to describe something extremely exceptional, important, or enjoyable that isn't likely to occur again. They offered me the chance of a lifetime to travel the world and write about my experiences abroad. That tour around Europe really was the trip of a lifetime!
See also: lifetime, of
once in a lifetime
Describing something, such as an opportunity, experience, or situation, that seems unlikely to happen again. Often hyphenated when used as a modifier before a noun. You have to take this job in the Zurich office—it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in Switzerland. Chances like this only ever come around once in a lifetime, Jack, so don't waste it.
See also: lifetime, once
once-in-a-lifetime chance
A chance or opportunity afforded to one that is or seems unlikely to ever come about again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to manage our European office in Switzerland, so please think about it. I found myself with the once-in-a-lifetime chance to have dinner with the famous author.
See also: chance
once-in-a-lifetime experience
An experience that seems highly unlikely to happen again. Going to Disneyland as a young child is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's just not the same if you go when you're older.
See also: experience
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
A chance or opportunity afforded to one that is or seems unlikely to ever come about again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to manage our European office in Switzerland, so please think about it. I found myself with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have dinner with the famous author.
See also: opportunity
once-in-a-lifetime situation
A situation that seems highly unlikely to happen again. Moving all the way to Zurich was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime situation to get the new office set up. Now they want to send me back there again to run the darn place. It feels like this is a once-in-a-lifetime situation where we actually have the chance to completely change the way the world works.
See also: situation
Why break the habit of a lifetime?
A rhetorical question expressing doubt that someone will change their bad habit. Typically said after that person has announced their intention to stop such a habit. A: "That's it. That's my last cigarette." B: "Why break the habit of a lifetime?"
See also: break, habit, of, why
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
once-in-a-lifetime chance
and once-in-a-lifetime opportunitya chance that will never occur again in one's lifetime. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Don't miss it. She offered me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I turned it down.
See also: chance
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
once in a lifetime
Extremely rare, especially as an opportunity. For example, An offer like that will come just once in a lifetime. This phrase, often used hyperbolically, was first recorded in 1854. Also see of one's life.
See also: lifetime, once
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a legend in their own lifetime
a very famous or notorious person.See also: legend, lifetime, own
of a lifetime
(of a chance or experience) such as does not occur more than once in a person's life; exceptional.See also: lifetime, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
the chance, etc. of a ˈlifetime
a wonderful opportunity, etc. that you are not likely to get again: This is your chance to win the trip of a lifetime!See also: lifetime, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- a legend in (one's) own lifetime
- a legend in (one's) own time
- a legend in their own lifetime
- a living legend
- legend
- legend in own time
- big name
- big-name
- have the blues
- blue note