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3. occasion

occasion

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an auspicious occasion

A celebratory or momentous event, situation, or circumstance. (Note that the meaning of auspicious here is slightly altered from its standard definition of favorable or timely.) We would like to invite you to the auspicious occasion of the marriage of our son, Luke, to his bride-to-be, Sophia. It was an auspicious day in the city, as people poured onto the streets to celebrate the queen's ascent to the throne.

See also: occasion

equal to the occasion

Having the necessary ability, talent, qualities, or capability to handle or accomplish a given role or situation. The young soldier proved equal to the occasion and saved his platoon from an enemy ambush. We need a manager who can lead project initiatives and efficiently direct employees—do you think you're equal to the occasion?

See also: equal, occasion

leave something for another occasion

 and keep something for another occasion

to hold something back for later. (Occasion can be replaced with time, day, person, etc.) Please leave some cake for another day. Don't eat all the cheese. Leave some for another occasion. I have to leave some of my earnings for next month.

See also: another, leave, occasion

on occasion

occasionally. I like to go to the movies on occasion. On occasion, Mary would walk her dog through the park.

See also: occasion, on

rise to the occasion

Fig. to meet the challenge of an event; to try extra hard to do a task. John was able to rise to the occasion and make the conference a success. It was a big challenge, but he rose to the occasion.

See also: occasion, rise

on occasion

sometimes but not often This is the sun belt, but we do get freezing weather here on occasion.

See also: occasion, on

rise to the occasion

to do what is needed at the time When a crisis hits, will you rise to the occasion? She needed some help, so I rose to the occasion and volunteered my services. Related vocabulary: rise to something

See also: occasion, rise

rise to the occasion

to succeed in dealing with a difficult situation It's not easy to play your first match in front of a crowd that size but he certainly rose to the occasion.

See come back from the dead

See also: occasion, rise

on occasion

From time to time, now and then, as in Nell has been known to eat meat on occasion. This usage, first in the form of upon occasion, replaced by occasion about 1600.

See also: occasion, on

rise to the occasion

Show unexpected skill in dealing with a difficulty that arises, as in The leading man broke his leg in the first act but his understudy rose to the occasion and was rewarded with excellent reviews . [Mid-1800s]

See also: occasion, rise

on occasion

From time to time; now and then.

See also: occasion, on

rise to the occasion

To find the ability to deal with an unexpected challenge.

See also: occasion, rise

take the occasion

To make use of the opportunity (to do something).

See also: occasion, take