one in a million
Very rare or special
Use it to tell someone they are uniquely special or that an event is incredibly rare.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone or something exceptionally rare and special.
- A high-level compliment for friends, partners, or unique opportunities.
- Implies that the person or event is uniquely valuable.
Significado
Imagine you have a giant pile of a million ordinary things. This phrase describes the one single thing in that pile that is perfect, rare, or incredibly special.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Thanking a supportive friend
Thanks for listening to me all night; you're really one in a million.
Thanks for listening to me all night; you're really one in a million.
Describing a rare business opportunity
An opening like this is one in a million, so we have to take it.
An opening like this is one in a million, so we have to take it.
Texting a romantic partner
I'm so lucky I found you. You're one in a million! ❤️
I'm so lucky I found you. You're one in a million!
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on individualism and the 'diamond in the rough' trope. It gained massive popularity through 20th-century romantic cinema and pop music, often used to describe a 'soulmate.' It highlights the value placed on being unique rather than conforming to the group.
Hyphenate when it's an adjective
If you use it before a noun, add hyphens: 'A one-in-a-million chance.' If it's after a verb, no hyphens: 'The chance was one in a million.'
Watch your tone
If you say it with a flat voice or a smirk, people will think you are being sarcastic. Only use it with a smile if you mean it!
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone or something exceptionally rare and special.
- A high-level compliment for friends, partners, or unique opportunities.
- Implies that the person or event is uniquely valuable.
What It Means
One in a million describes something truly exceptional. It is used for people, opportunities, or even luck. It suggests that what you are talking about is very rare. It is like finding a diamond in a field of glass. You use it when 'good' or 'great' isn't strong enough. It implies a sense of wonder or deep appreciation.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective phrase. Usually, you place it after the verb to be. For example, 'You are one in a million.' You can also use it to describe a noun. 'That was a one in a million chance.' It works for people you love. It also works for rare events, like winning a huge lottery. It is a high compliment. Don't be shy with it!
When To Use It
Use it when you feel genuine gratitude. It is perfect for a wedding toast. Use it when a friend helps you move house at 4 AM. It is great for describing a once-in-a-career job offer. You can use it in a text to a partner. Use it when you see something beautiful and rare. It adds a touch of magic to your description. It makes the listener feel very seen and valued.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for everyday things. If your coffee is just 'okay,' this phrase is too much. Avoid using it for people you don't actually like. It can sound sarcastic if your tone is wrong. 'Oh, he's one in a million,' said with a roll of the eyes, means he is uniquely annoying. Don't use it in very dry, technical reports. It is an emotional phrase, not a mathematical one. Keep it for moments that actually feel special.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the idea of probability. In a world of billions of people, being the 'one' is a big deal. Western culture loves the idea of the 'individual.' We celebrate people who stand out from the crowd. This phrase became very popular in 20th-century pop songs and movies. It represents the 'American Dream' idea of beating the odds. It is deeply rooted in romantic and platonic appreciation.
Common Variations
You might hear people say one in a billion for extra drama. Some people say a million to one when talking about odds. 'The odds were a million to one, but she did it!' You can also say someone is one of a kind. In British English, you might hear one in a thousand, though it sounds slightly less impressive. Stick to one in a million for the most impact.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very versatile and fits into almost any social register. Just remember to use hyphens if you use it as a compound adjective before a noun.
Hyphenate when it's an adjective
If you use it before a noun, add hyphens: 'A one-in-a-million chance.' If it's after a verb, no hyphens: 'The chance was one in a million.'
Watch your tone
If you say it with a flat voice or a smirk, people will think you are being sarcastic. Only use it with a smile if you mean it!
The 'Billion' upgrade
In modern slang, people sometimes say 'one in a billion' because 'million' doesn't feel big enough anymore. It's the same meaning, just more dramatic.
Exemplos
6Thanks for listening to me all night; you're really one in a million.
Thanks for listening to me all night; you're really one in a million.
Shows deep appreciation for a friend's unique kindness.
An opening like this is one in a million, so we have to take it.
An opening like this is one in a million, so we have to take it.
Used here to mean a very rare chance that won't happen again.
I'm so lucky I found you. You're one in a million! ❤️
I'm so lucky I found you. You're one in a million!
A classic romantic compliment used in casual digital chat.
You managed to trip over a flat rug? You're truly one in a million, Dave.
You managed to trip over a flat rug? You're truly one in a million, Dave.
Sarcastic use to highlight a 'unique' level of clumsiness.
A boss like Sarah is one in a million; we will miss her leadership.
A boss like Sarah is one in a million; we will miss her leadership.
Formal but warm praise for a respected colleague.
Surviving that crash was a one-in-a-million miracle.
Surviving that crash was a one-in-a-million miracle.
Used as an adjective to describe the statistical rarity of an event.
Teste-se
Choose the best context for the phrase.
My grandmother always helped everyone she met; she was truly ___.
We use 'one in a million' to describe someone with exceptionally rare and good qualities.
Complete the sentence to describe a rare event.
Winning the lottery and getting struck by lightning on the same day is a ___ event.
The correct idiomatic structure is 'one in a million' to describe an extremely rare occurrence.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'One in a Million'
Texting a best friend or partner.
You're one in a million!
Talking to colleagues or acquaintances.
That was a one-in-a-million shot.
Giving a public speech or toast.
Her dedication is one in a million.
Where to use 'One in a Million'
Romance
Telling a partner they are special.
Gratitude
Thanking someone for rare kindness.
Luck
Describing a rare coincidence.
Sarcasm
Teasing a friend's unique mistake.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is almost always a very high compliment meaning someone is uniquely wonderful. For example, You're one in a million is a lovely thing to say to a parent.
Usually no, unless you are being sarcastic. You wouldn't call a bad car one in a million unless you were joking about how uniquely terrible it is.
Yes, it is neutral enough for work. You might describe a one in a million opportunity during a strategy meeting.
Unique is a factual word, while one in a million is more emotional and idiomatic. It carries more warmth and 'wow' factor.
Yes, you can use it for rare items. This vintage watch is one in a million means it is in incredible condition or very rare.
Both work depending on the sentence. You can say He is one in a million or He is a one-in-a-million kind of guy.
No, it is a figure of speech. It just means 'extremely rare,' not a specific mathematical calculation.
Not at all! It is a timeless expression used by all age groups in English-speaking countries.
You can, but it sounds much less impressive. One in a million is the standard for showing high value.
Use it when someone does something uniquely silly. You forgot your keys inside the locked car? You're one in a million.
Frases relacionadas
One of a kind
Unique; there is nothing else like it.
A rare breed
A person with qualities that are not often found in others.
Once in a blue moon
Something that happens very rarely.
In a class of their own
So good that they cannot be compared to others.
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