Once too often

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adverbial phrase

Doing something one time more than it's acceptable or safe, which leads to trouble.

He joked about the boss's haircut once too often, and ended up losing his job.
Visual representation of "once too often" - Doing something one time more than it's acceptable or safe, which leads to trouble.

Often appears as...

  • push luck once too often
  • lie once too often

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "once too often"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Risk and Consequence

Use when describing a behavior that's risky, which eventually leads to a negative outcome.

Illustration for Risk and Consequence
She skipped class once too often and failed the course.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Ending Tolerance

Indicates the last instance of behavior that destroys remaining patience or acceptance.

Illustration for Ending Tolerance
He arrived late once too often and was fired.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Behavior Threshold

Suitable for when someone exceeds the acceptable limit of an action or behavior.

Illustration for Behavior Threshold
You've ignored my advice once too often; I won't help anymore.
Visual representation of the word "Once too often"

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