(one) only gets one bite at the apple

1. law A single opportunity to litigate a civil case against another party. (Once a case has been resolved by a judge, a plaintiff or prosecutor cannot pursue the same case against the same party again in the future.) Even though you've got new information proving the other party is responsible, I doubt you'll be able to bring charges against them again. The judge already ruled that they were not negligent, and you only get one bite at the apple. Are you sure you want to pursue a case against them right now? You only get one bite at the apple, so you might want to wait to see if more evidence is found. A: "If I'm found not guilty of this crime, it all goes away, right? They can't keep suing me for it?" B: "Yes, that's right, they only get one bite at the apple."

2. By extension, one only gets a single chance to try or accomplish something. The new administration will only get one bite at the apple with this peace treaty, so they had better make sure that they get it right. I never did reach the Olympics again, owing to my age. I only got one bite at the apple, but it was a thrill while it lasted. You only get one bite at the apple, so you better wow the talent show judges with your voice.

(one) only gets one bite of the apple

1. law A single opportunity to litigate a civil case against another party. (Once a case has been resolved by a judge, a plaintiff or prosecutor cannot pursue the same case against the same party again in the future.) Even though you've got new information proving the other party is responsible, I doubt you'll be able to bring charges against them again. The judge already ruled that they were not negligent, and you only get one bite of the apple. Are you sure you want to pursue a case against them right now? You only get one bite of the apple, so you might want to wait to see if more evidence is found. A: "If I'm found not guilty of this crime, it all goes away, right? They can't keep suing me for it?" B: "Yes, that's right, they only get one bite of the apple."

2. By extension, one only gets a single chance to try or accomplish something. The new administration will only get one bite of the apple with this peace treaty, so they had better make sure that they get it right. I never did reach the Olympics again, owing to my age. I only got one bite of the apple, but it was a thrill while it lasted. You only get one bite of the apple, so you better wow the talent show judges with your voice.