once too often

once too often

One time too many; the latest in a series of actions, the one that finally results in notice, reprisal, punishment, or some other consequence. It seems he tried to hide his earnings from the IRS once too often, and is now facing a tax bill that could possibly bankrupt him. He'd insulted her once too often, so she packed up her things and left the house.

See also: often, once

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

ˌonce too ˈoften

used to say that somebody has done something wrong or stupid again, and this time they will suffer because of it: You’ve tried that trick once too often.

See also: often, once

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017