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.
5th September 2025

Just this once

We use this expression to make an exception, or to ask for an exception to be made for us.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
I need to leave work early today. Is that possible? An hour early.
OK. Just this once.
Thanks.
Example 2
I know I did the wrong thing, but please don't report me. Just this once.
OK - I won't report you. But I don't want to see you doing it again.

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