Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
19th May 2025

One ... at a time

We use this expression to talk about a sequence of things or activities.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
Yes
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
Are you the sort of person who plans everything when on holiday?
No. I take it one day at a time and just see what happens.
Example 2
I want you to book the tickets, phone a taxi, organise the hotel and plan the meeting.
Ok, but I can only do one thing at a time.

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