Phrase: One (thing) at a time

 Meaning

• To do or deal with one thing before starting to do or deal with another.

• We use this expression to talk about a sequence of things or activities.

• To do (something) at a time means to do it slowly and carefully, doing just a little at a time or doing it one by one.

Dialog 1

A: "Are you the sort of person who plans everything when on holiday?"

B: "No. I take it one day at a time and just see what happens."

Dialog 2

A: "I want you to book the tickets, phone a taxi, organize the hotel and plan the meeting."

B: "Ok, but I can only do one thing at a time."

Example Sentences

• "There are a few problems, but let's take one thing at a time."

• "Do one thing at a time, and do it well."

• "You're confusing him! Tell him slowly and one thing at a time."

• "The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time."

• "Doing one thing at a time is probably the most basic habit of concentration.

• "You must develop a habit of doing one thing at a time."

• "Work on one thing at a time."

• "Focus on just one thing at a time."

• "He wanted to rush through the job, but I encouraged him to take it one step at a time."

• "It is desirable to take one step at a time."

QUESTIONS

• Can we truly multitask and do different things at a time?

• Do you prefer multitasking or doing one thing at a time?