ONCE

(ONE TIME) [adverb] [not gradable] - one single timeI went to France once, but I didn't like it very much.We have lunch together once a month.At once means at the same time.Don't all shout at once.I can't do it all at once but I'll have it finished by the end of the week.(Just) for once (= On this occasion, even if on no other occasion), I wish you'd listen to what I'm telling you.For once (= It is not usual, but this time), Clare offered to buy me a drink.Would you mind driving me to work just this once (= on this particular occasion and not on any other)?An opportunity as good as this arises once in a lifetime (= very rarely).Our trip to Australia is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.Once again (= Again and as has happened in the past) racist attacks are increasing across Europe.Something that is done once and for all is done completely and as a final solution to a problem.Our intention is to destroy their offensive capability once and for all.I'm fed up with discussing this and I wish we could just settle this argument once and for all.We need to find a once-and-for-all solution to the debt problem of developing countries.(Every) once in a while (= Sometimes) a film is made which seems destined to win every award there is.We see each other (every) once in a while, but not as often as we used to.I'd like to go to Egypt once more (= one more time) before I die.I'm pleased that Daniel's working with us once more (= again and as he did in the past).The expression once or twice means a few times.I've only had a cigarette once or twice in my whole life.She goes swimming once or twice a month.Once upon a time means a long time ago, and is often used at the beginning of stories for children.Once upon a time a farmer planted a little seed in his garden, and after a while it sprouted and became a vine.Once upon a time can also be used in a slightly literary way when referring to something that happened in the past, particularly when expressing regret that it no longer happens.Once upon a time (= There was a time when) everyone knew the difference between right and wrong, but nowadays nobody seems to care.I've only played rugby the once (= on a single occasion), and I never want to play it again.(informal) A once-over is a brief and not very detailed examination of something.I gave the bike a once-over in the shop and I didn't realize the lights weren't working until I got it home.The security guards gave me the once-over, but they didn't ask me for any identification.(informal) A once-over is also a brief act of cleaning or preparing something.Would you mind giving the living-room carpet a once-over with the vacuum cleaner?It's worth giving the wood a once-over with a sander before you varnish it.