Occasion for doing something It should have been an occasion for rejoicing, but she could not feel any real joy. These workshops provide an occasion for talking about art. Occasion for something This is not a time for specifics, but an occasion for vision. Festivals were occasions for great celebration.
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus.
Related to on occasion: not to mention, in the first place, in favor of, pat on the back, came across
- Occasion definition, a particular time, especially as marked by certain circumstances or occurrences: They met on three occasions.
- Occasion is a special event or a specific time when something is possible or when something will happen. An example of an occasion is a birthday.
on occasion
Once in a while; occasionally. I don't really drink, but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine with a meal on occasion.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on occasion
occasionally. I like to go to the movies on occasion.On occasion, Mary would walk her dog through the park.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on occasion
From time to time, now and then, as in Nell has been known to eat meat on occasion. This usage, first in the form of upon occasion, replaced by occasion about 1600.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on ocˈcasion(s)
sometimes; not very often: I don’t smoke cigarettes but I like to smoke a cigar on occasion.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on occasion
See also: occasion, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.
a sense of occasion
A feeling of ceremony, fanfare, or pomp and circumstance (about a certain event or situation). She laid out the nice table cloth and dinner settings, lit candles, and had classical music playing to give the dinner a real sense of occasion.You don't have to hire a band and have fireworks, but I'd like some sense of occasion for my last day in the office.
auspicious occasion
A celebratory or momentous event, situation, or circumstance. (Note that the meaning of auspicious here is slightly altered from its standard definition of favorable or timely.) We would like to invite you to the auspicious occasion of the marriage of our son, Luke, to his bride-to-be, Sophia.It was an auspicious occasion in the city, as people poured onto the streets to celebrate the queen's ascent to the throne.
equal to the occasion
Having the necessary ability, talent, qualities, or capability to handle or accomplish a given role or situation. The young soldier proved equal to the occasion and saved his platoon from an enemy ambush.We need a manager who can lead project initiatives and efficiently direct employees—do you think you're equal to the occasion?
have occasion to (do something)
To have a reason, requirement, or motivation to do something. Now that I work closer to home, I don't have occasion to go to that side of town very often.
keep (something) for another time/day/week/etc.
To reserve or save something for some future point or event. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to do the hang-gliding—I guess we'll just have to keep it for another day.Don't throw those decorations out! We can keep them for another occasion down the line!
leave (something) for another time/day/week/etc.
To reserve or save something for some future point or event. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to do the hang-gliding—I guess we'll just have to leave it for another day.Don't throw those decorations out! We can leave them for another occasion down the line!
on occasion
Once in a while; occasionally. I don't really drink, but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine with a meal on occasion.
rise to the occasion
To increase one's effort in response to a challenging situation. If you're going to lead this team, you've got to rise to the occasion and start motivating them.It was a tough act to follow, but the band rose to the occasion and played the best set of their career.
save (something) for another time/day/week/etc.
To reserve or save something for some future point or event. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to do the hang-gliding—I guess we'll just have to save it for another day.Don't throw those decorations out! We can save them for another occasion down the line!
take the occasion (to do something)
To capitalize on or make practical and worthwhile use of a particular event, situation, happening, or opportunity in order to accomplish something. While I have everyone here, I just wanted to take the occasion to thank you all for your support on this journey—it's been truly humbling, from beginning to end.I know you're discouraged about having to look for a new job, but take the occasion to consider different areas of work that you might be interested in.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
leave something for another occasion
and keep something for another occasionto hold something back for later. (Occasion can be replaced with time, day, person, etc.) Please leave some cake for another day.Don't eat all the cheese. Leave some for another occasion.I have to leave some of my earnings for next month.
on occasion
occasionally. I like to go to the movies on occasion.On occasion, Mary would walk her dog through the park.
rise to the occasion
Fig. to meet the challenge of an event; to try extra hard to do a task. John was able to rise to the occasion and make the conference a success. It was a big challenge, but he rose to the occasion.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on occasion
From time to time, now and then, as in Nell has been known to eat meat on occasion. This usage, first in the form of upon occasion, replaced by occasion about 1600.
rise to the occasion
Show unexpected skill in dealing with a difficulty that arises, as in The leading man broke his leg in the first act but his understudy rose to the occasion and was rewarded with excellent reviews . [Mid-1800s]
Occasion And Position
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
rise to the occasion
perform better than usual in response to a special situation or event.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
have occasion to do something
(formal) have a reason or need to do something: If you ever have occasion to visit Zurich, you will always be welcome to stay with us.on ocˈcasion(s)
sometimes; not very often: I don’t smoke cigarettes but I like to smoke a cigar on occasion.See also: occasion, on
rise to the ocˈcasion/ˈchallenge
do something successfully in a difficult situation, emergency, etc: When the lead singer became ill, Cathy had to take her place. Everyone thought she rose to the occasion magnificently. ♢ This company must be prepared to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing market.a sense of ocˈcasion
a feeling or an understanding that an event is important or special: Candles on the table gave the evening a sense of occasion.See also: occasion, of, sense
on occasion
From time to time; now and then.
rise to the occasion
To find the ability to deal with an unexpected challenge.
Occasion And Context
take the occasion
To make use of the opportunity (to do something).
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Occasion And Genre