I only get one bite of the cherry, so I must do it right.
bite of the cherry
idiomA chance; an attempt at something, especially something that can or should only be done once.
Origin
first recorded 20th c.A cherry is a small fruit usually eaten in a single bite, and the phrase was originally intended to refer specifically to an attempt to repeat an already-completed action. By the 1940s, cherry had taken on the additional meaning of "virginity" and the phrase was considered embarrassing, and so "apple" replaced "cherry" chiefly in American usage. As an apple is usually eaten in many bites, the additional nuance of "an unrepeatable action" was increasingly lost. The first recorded use of the "apple" form is in 1922.
The job interview was difficult, but I am glad I finally had my bite of the cherry.
He knew this rare audition was his only bite of the cherry, so he prepared for weeks to ensure his performance was perfect.
- 01
all bark and no bite
Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.
- 02
bite me
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
- 03
bite my ass
Go away!; an expression of disdain or dismissal.
- 04
bite my shiny metal ass
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
- 05
bite of the reality sandwich
A wake-up call, a reality check.
- 06
bite off
To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility, especially one which presents challenges.
- 07
bite off more than one can chew
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
- 08
bite one's lip
To forcibly prevent oneself from speaking, especially in order to avoid saying something inappropriate or likely to cause a dispute.