one-off: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘one-off’ mean?
The idiom "one-off" refers to something that happens or is done only once, and is not repeated or meant to be continuous.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn of events" refers to an unexpected change or shift in a situation or sequence of events.
The idiom "pinch one off" means to defecate or take a quick bathroom break, often used informally.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "one of those things" refers to a situation or event that is out of one's control, often unexpected or difficult to explain or understand.
"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-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 only" means the unique or singular example of something or someone. It emphasizes that there is no other comparable or similar entity.
The idiom "one at a time" means to do things sequentially or individually, focusing on each task or person separately, rather than all at once.
"Once or twice" is an idiomatic phrase that means to have done something a few times, but not regularly or frequently.
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently.
"The Singular Instance"
The idiom "one-off" originated in British English and is mainly used in British and Australian English. It is used to describe something that is unique, singular, or one-time only. This can refer to an event, an item, or a situation that is not repeated or replicated. For example, a limited edition print of a famous painting can be referred to as a "one-off" because there is only one copy of it.
Furthermore, "one-off" can also be used figuratively to describe a person or an action that is not typical or characteristic of someone or something. If a usually shy person gives a passionate speech, it can be said that it was a "one-off" occurrence.
The phrase "once in a while" is related to the idiom "one-off". It is often used to describe something that happens occasionally or infrequently. Similar to "one-off", it highlights the rarity or uniqueness of the event. For instance, if a singer who rarely performs live decides to give a concert, it can be described as a "one-off" or "once in a while" performance.
One of the related idioms is "one and only". It is used to emphasize the uniqueness and exclusivity of something or someone. In the case of "one-off", it can be used to describe an item or an event that is the only one of its kind. For example, if a restaurant offers a special one-time menu with unique dishes, it can be described as a "one-off" or "one and only" dining experience.
Additionally, "for once" is another related idiom. It is often used to express surprise or relief that something unusual or unexpected has happened. Similar to "one-off", it highlights the atypical nature of the situation. For instance, if a person who is always late arrives on time for once, it can be said that they were punctual "for once" or "for a one-off".
The idiom "one-off" is commonly used in British and Australian English to describe something that is unique, singular, or one-time only. It can be used as both an adjective and a noun. Additionally, it can have a figurative meaning to describe something that is atypical or a rare opportunity. The versatility and wide usage of this idiom make it a fascinating expression with various possible applications.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *one-off* can be used in a sentence:
1. It was just a one-off concert, they don't usually perform together.
2. This sale is a one-off event, so make sure to take advantage of the discount.
3. The company produced a limited edition of a one-off book for collectors.
More "Noun" idioms
