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lifetime

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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

a legend in (one's) own lifetime

A person who has an extraordinary level of fame or reputation while he or she is 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

once-in-a-lifetime chance

 and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

a 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

Why break the habit of a lifetime?

  (British & Australian humorous)

something that you say which means that you do not believe that someone will stop doing something bad that they have done all their lives 'I must stop writing my essays the night before the deadline.' 'Why break the habit of a lifetime?'

See make or break

See also: break, habit, of, why

once in a lifetime

only likely to happen once in someone's life Opportunities to play in the Cup Final only come once in a lifetime so we've got to make the most of it.

See also: lifetime, once

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