misfortunes never come singly
Bad things or situations always come in groups or streaks; they never come in a single way.
singly
/ˈsɪŋ.ɡli/
adv 5
Collocations
4ADJ.
against
VERB + SINGLY
come, comes, misfortunes, objects, standing
PREP.
out
ADV.
rarely, seldom
Definitions
adv
1
In a single or unaccompanied manner; without a companion.
Singly, they are every one a representation or appearance of some quality, or other accident of a body without us, which is commonly called an object.
The cross, reared now above all other objects, and standing singly out against the sky, was greeted with a burst of delight; […
2
Individually; particularly; severally.
to make men singly and personally good
Ursula saw that now Bella Watson's chance meetings with him had to be strategically and singly planned by Bella, whose wifely attentions to the bereaved man were markedly meaning.
3
Without partners, companions, or associates; single-handed.
to attack another singly
4
Honestly; sincerely; simply.
5
Singularly; peculiarly.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adverb — apart from others
- individually
- separately
- severally
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
Singly, they are every one a representation or appearance of some quality, or other accident of a body without us, which is commonly called an object.
Wiktionary02
The cross, reared now above all other objects, and standing singly out against the sky, was greeted with a burst of delight; […
Wiktionary03
Grey-coloured woods covered a large part of the surface. This even tint was indeed broken up by streaks of yellow sand-break in the lower lands, and by many tall trees of the pine family, out-topping
Wiktionary04
Misfortunes never come singly.
Tatoeba · #1956005
I bear in mind that misfortunes never come singly.
Tatoeba · #26148006
Misfortunes seldom come singly.
Tatoeba · #318616Usage Notes
i Register
In some senses, singly is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.
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