(every) once in a while
Occasionally; sometimes. I don't travel often, but every once in a while I just need to get away from the city. My mom has sweets once in a while but mostly eats only healthy foods.
once in a while
Occasionally, not very often, as in Once in a while I enjoy going fishing. [Mid-1800s] Also see every now and then; from time to time.
once (or every once) in a while
from time to time; occasionally. 1989 Annie Dillard The Writing Life Every once in a while Rahm saw a peephole in the clouds and buzzed over for a look.
(every) ˌonce in a ˈwhile
occasionally: We go to the theatre once in a while, but there’s not much worth seeing. OPPOSITE: all the time every once in a while
From time to time; occasionally.