only

be only a matter of time

if you say that it is only a matter of time before something happens, you mean that you are sure it is going to happen, although you do not know when. It is only a matter of time before he is forced to resign. (usually + before) I know she will be a great novelist. It is only a matter of time.

See also: matter, time

not be the only pebble on the beach

to not be the only person who is important in a situation or in a group. Laura always expects to get her own way. It's time she learned that she's not the only pebble on the beach.

Beauty is only skin deep.

something that you say which means a person's character is more important than their appearance. She may not be conventionally pretty but you know what they say, beauty's only skin deep.

See also: beauty, deep, skin

in name only

if something exists in name only, it is officially described in a particular way, although that description is not really true. Two-thirds of the population are Catholic, though many are so in name only.

See also: name

only have eyes for someone

to be interested in or attracted to only one person. You've no need to be jealous. I only have eyes for you.

See also: eye

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in name only

having a particular title without the power or duties that are a part of it. He was my father in name only – I never saw him while I was growing up.

See also: name

only have eyes for someone/something

to be interested in just one person or thing. They only had eyes for each other. A hunter has eyes only for the animal being hunted.

See also: eye

only just

very recently. She's only just arrived in town.

See also: just

only too

very. She'd be only too happy to help you. We were only too aware of the risks involved in traveling there.