The one that got away Meaning in English

expression

US

thuh WUN that gawt uh-WAY

UK

thuh WON that got uh-WAY

Definition

Used to describe a person, opportunity, or thing you almost had but lost, especially a romantic interest from the past that you still remember.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often nostalgic. Commonly refers to missed romantic relationships, but can apply to lost chances in life. Implies some regret or longing. Used in storytelling, conversations, and sometimes songs.

• Spanish: el que se escapó - la que se escapó (amor perdido)
• Portuguese (BR): o que escapou - aquela pessoa que escapou (amor perdido)
• Portuguese (PT): o que escapou - aquela pessoa que escapou (amor perdido)
• Chinese (Simplified): 错过的人 - 鱼跑掉了（比喻未得到的人）
• Chinese (Traditional): 錯過的人 - 魚跑掉了（比喻未得到的人）
• Hindi: जो छूट गया (सम्भावित प्रेम या अवसर)
• Arabic: الذي أفلت - الشخص الذي ضاع (حب ضائع)
• Bengali: হারিয়ে যাওয়া ভালোবাসা - অপূর্ণ থেকে যাওয়া সুযোগ
• Russian: упущенный шанс - тот, кто ускользнул
• Japanese: 逃した人 - 逃したチャンス
• Vietnamese: người đã bỏ lỡ - cơ hội đã vuột mất
• Korean: 놓쳐버린 사람 - 지나간 기회
• Turkish: kaçıp giden - elde edilemeyen fırsat
• Urdu: کھویا ہوا موقع - چھوٹ جانے والا شخص
• Indonesian: yang terlewatkan - yang tidak sempat dimiliki

Example Sentences

He often thinks about the one that got away.

basic

Sometimes, we all remember the one that got away.

basic

For her, he was the one that got away.

basic

We broke up years ago, but he’s still the one that got away for me.

natural

You never forget the one that got away—it changes how you see love.

natural

Some jobs are like the one that got away—you wonder what could have happened if you'd taken them.

natural