One in a million

Meaning

Exceptionally rare or special.

Usage

Used when praising unique individuals or moments.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Suggests small odds compared to a million.

Popularized in American speech during the 20th century.