one after another
In single file.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The children walked into the room one after another.”
“The guests arrived one after another, so the host had plenty of time to greet everyone.”
“As the storm intensified, the small boats returned to the harbor one after another, seeking shelter from the rising waves.”
Derived from the Old English ān æfter ōþrum, which was recorded with the same sense. The construction has remained essentially unchanged in English for over a millennium.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 03
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 04
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 05
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 06
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 07
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
- 08
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.
Last updated August 10, 2026