one and only: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘one and only’ mean?
The idiom "one and only" means the unique or singular example of something or someone. It emphasizes that there is no other comparable or similar entity.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom used to describe someone or something that is highly unusual or unique; as rare as a rare animal.
An idiom used to refer to a particular person's character, occupation, or role, highlighting its uniqueness and individuality.
The idiom "on one's own" means to do something independently, without help or support from others.
*On one's own* is an English idiom that has been in use for many years. It indicates independence, self-reliance, or doing something without assistance or support from others. The idiom is commonly used in various contexts and can have different meanings depending on the situation.
The idiom "on one's lonesome" means to be alone or without any companions. It emphasizes the feeling of solitude or isolation that one may experience.
The idiom "only game in town" means that there's only one option or choice available, typically in a particular situation or context.
The idiom "one up" means to outdo or surpass someone in a competitive or comparison situation.
The idiom "one up" is commonly used in English language and has a distinct meaning. It is derived from the verb phrase "one-up" which means to gain an advantage or to outdo someone in a competitive or social context. The idiom is widely recognized and understood by native English speakers, particularly in the United States.
The idiom "one-off" refers to something that happens or is done only once, and is not repeated or meant to be continuous.
"One-note" as an idiom refers to someone or something that is limited in their abilities or characteristics, lacking variety or depth. It implies a lack of range or flexibility, often used to describe a person who has a single focus or interest.
The idiom "one-note" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used to describe someone or something that lacks variety or depth and instead remains monotone or predictable.
The idiom "one-hit wonder" refers to a person or thing that experiences a brief period of success or fame, particularly in the music industry, but is unable to repeat or sustain that success in the long term.
The idiom *one and the same* means that two or more things or people are identical or indistinguishable from each other.
Unlocking its Twist
The idiom "one and the same" is similar to "one and only" in that it also conveys the idea of uniqueness and singularity. However, "one and the same" specifically emphasizes that two things are identical or inseparable. It is used when referring to two concepts or entities that are essentially one and cannot be separated or distinguished from each other.
For example, if someone says, "The twins are one and the same," they are highlighting the fact that the twins are so identical and indistinguishable that they can be considered as a single entity. This idiom is often used to emphasize that two things or people are so closely intertwined that they cannot be differentiated.
The idiom "one and all" is another related phrase that signifies inclusivity and universality. It is used to convey the idea that something applies to everyone or everything without exception. When something is said to be for "one and all," it means that it is intended for every single person or thing without any exclusions or restrictions.
For instance, if someone says, "This message is for the students, teachers, and staff, one and all," they are emphasizing that the message is meant for every single person in that group, leaving no one out. This idiom is often used to indicate that something is applicable to a broad and inclusive audience or category.
The idiom "only game in town" is different from "one and only" as it conveys the idea of there being only one option or choice available. It is used to describe a situation where there is a lack of alternatives or competition.
For example, if someone says, "This store is the only game in town for groceries," they are highlighting that there are no other options or choices for buying groceries in that particular area. This idiom is often used to indicate that a particular person, place, or thing is the sole available option or solution in a given context.
The idiom "like no other" is similar to "one and only" in that it describes something as unique and unparalleled. However, "like no other" emphasizes that the thing being described is incomparable or unlike anything else.
For instance, if someone says, "Her talent is like no other," they are emphasizing that her talent is truly exceptional and cannot be compared to anyone else's. This idiom is often used to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary nature of something or someone.
The idiom "one and only" is a commonly used phrase that conveys the idea of uniqueness and singularity. It can be used to describe a person, place, or opportunity that is unparalleled or without equal. The related idioms "one and the same," "one and all," "only game in town," and "like no other" further emphasize different aspects of uniqueness, inclusivity, and exclusivity. These idioms add variety and depth to the use of the phrase "one and only" in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "one and only" can be used in a sentence:
- She is my one and only true love.
- This restaurant is known for its one and only signature dish.
- I finally found my one and only best friend.
More "Uniqueness" idioms
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