Meaning & use
opportunity of a lifetime
Last updated
UK/ˌɒpəˌtjuːnəti əv ə ˈlaɪftaɪm/
US/ˌɑːpərˌtuːnəti əv ə ˈlaɪftaɪm/
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
A very rare and valuable chance that you are unlikely to get again.
Grammar: Works as a noun phrase: this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
Patterns
- the opportunity of a lifetime
- an opportunity of a lifetime to do something
Being offered a year abroad was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime to meet your hero.
She called her internship the opportunity of a lifetime.
Common combinations
- the opportunity of a lifetime
- This is the opportunity of a lifetime.
- offer an opportunity of a lifetime
- The festival offers an opportunity of a lifetime.
- miss the opportunity of a lifetime
- He did not want to miss the opportunity of a lifetime.
Synonyms and how they differ
- once-in-a-lifetime chance
- Almost the same; slightly more informal.
- golden opportunity
- Stresses great value, not necessarily rarity.
- big break
- Informal; a chance to advance a career.
Word family
- opportunity noun
- a favorable chance
- opportune adjective
- happening at a good time
Commonly confused: opportunity of a lifetime or opportunist?
opportunity of a lifetime vs opportunist
Someone who takes advantage of every chance, often selfishly.
Practice
Which situation best fits an opportunity of a lifetime?
Choose one answer.
The phrase describes a rare, major chance. The other options happen often or are minor.
Make it your own
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