PhrasesHub

One-hit wonder

    Definitions

      • someone who achieves success only once
        Describing a person, group, or thing that has only had one notable success or hit, and has not been able to replicate that success

      • something that is short-lived
        Referring to something that is popular or successful for a brief period of time, but does not have staying power or longevity

    Examples of One-hit wonder

    • Her song "Uptown Funk" might have been a massive hit, but it seems like Mark Ronson is destined to remain a one-hit wonder in the world of pop music.

      Mark Ronson is a British musician best known for his hit song "Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars in 2014. Although the song was hugely successful and spent 14 weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart, Ronson hasn't been able to replicate that level of success with any of his subsequent releases, leading some to suggest that he is a one-hit wonder. In this example, we're using the phrase "one-hit wonder" to describe a situation where someone achieves great success with a single release, but fails to maintain that level of popularity over the long term.

    • Some people doubted that Ed Sheeran's hit song "Shape of You" was anything more than a one-hit wonder, but the British singer-songwriter has since proven his detractors wrong with a string of successful releases.

      Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2011 with the release of his debut album "+" (Plus). However, it wasn't until the release of "Shape of You" in 2017 that Sheeran achieved massive commercial success, with the song spending 12 weeks at number one in the UK and breaking a number of chart records. In this example, we're using the phrase "one-hit wonder" to describe a situation where someone is doubted as to whether they can achieve ongoing success, but goes on to prove their critics wrong.

    • Despite enjoying critical acclaim for his debut album, some people are starting to wonder whether Rex Orange County will remain a one-hit wonder in the long run.

      Rex Orange County is the stage name of British musician Alex O'Connor. In 2016, he released his debut album "bunhead" to critical acclaim, with the album being described as a "masterpiece" by some music critics. However, despite his early success, there are some who doubt whether O'Connor will be able to sustain his level of popularity over time, leading some to suggest that he is a one-hit wonder in the making. In this example, we're using the phrase "one-hit wonder" to describe a situation where someone achieves initial success, but is uncertain as to whether they will be able to maintain that level of popularity over time.

    • Although he achieved massive success with his hit song "Mr. Brightside", The Killers seem to have stumbled when it comes to producing more hits.

      The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas in 1993. Their 2003 hit song "Mr. Brightside" is one of the most successful singles of the 2000s, having sold over 5 million copies worldwide. However, the group has struggled to replicate that level of success with subsequent releases, leading some to suggest that they are a one-hit wonder in terms of producing hit songs. In this example, we're using the phrase "one-hit wonder" to describe a situation where someone achieves initial success, but fails to produce more hits over time.

    • The band's album sold millions of copies with the hit single "Jump," but unfortunately, they failed to replicate their success and became a one-hit wonder.

      A one-hit wonder refers to an artist or band who achieves immense popularity with a single hit song or album but fails to maintain success with subsequent releases. In the example provided, the band's breakout hit propelled them to fame, but they were unable to recreate that success with their subsequent releases, leaving them as a one-hit wonder.

    • The band's debut single topped the charts, but their follow-up album flopped, making them a one-hit wonder in the music industry.

      A one-hit wonder is a musician or band who achieves great chart success with their first single or album, but fails to replicate that success with subsequent releases. This phrase is commonly used to describe acts whose success is seen as fleeting or unsubstantial, and who are unable to maintain their popularity over time. In the given example, the band enjoyed a brief burst of fame with their initial hit, but subsequently struggled to repeat that success, solidifying their status as a one-hit wonder.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "one-hit wonder" can be used to describe both a person or a thing that has experienced only one instance of success. It can also be used to refer to something that is short-lived and does not have lasting success. This term is often used in the entertainment industry to describe a musician or band that has only had one successful song, but it can also be used in other contexts to describe any fleeting success.

    Origin of "One-hit wonder"

    The origin of the idiom "one-hit wonder" can be traced back to the music industry. It was first used to describe a musician or band that had only one successful song, and was unable to replicate that success with any subsequent releases. The term gained popularity in the 1980s when there were a number of bands who had one successful song but were never able to achieve the same level of success again. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to describe any person or thing that has experienced only one instance of success, and has not been able to replicate it. The idiom has become a common way to describe something that is short-lived and lacks longevity. For example, a movie that was a box office hit but quickly faded from public memory could also be referred to as a "one-hit wonder."