in one day; one day (indefinite); if/when (something happens)
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
in a single day; overnight; in a very short time
literaryUsed to emphasize a sudden, drastic change that happens over a very brief period.
A legacy built over a century was destroyed overnight.
The fruits of victory are hard-won; do not let them be lost in an instant.
adverb
indefinite future time; one day; some day (referring to a past event)
formalUsed when describing something that happened unexpectedly on a certain day in the past.
After being together for three years, when we suddenly parted one day, how could we not miss each other?
When former close friends turned against each other one day, it was lamentable.
adverb
if ever; in case; should one day (referring to a hypothetical future)
formalUsed to introduce a hypothetical condition about the future, often followed by a result or consequence.
Once theory is grasped by the masses, it will become a tremendous material force.
If confidential information were to be leaked, the consequences would be unthinkable.
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Once you make up your mind, go ahead and achieve it bravely.