Expressions 'only just' and 'only not'

[Tamara]

Hi

1. As I hear and read, only just is an emphasizing 'time-expression' and only just in time is perhaps the most often its use.

Is it also all right to use it in this way: She said faintly, “Only just once”. ?
Or would only once and only just [...one time] sound better to you?

If you get the simple answer ‘Only just.’, what meaning do you suppose?
Related to the current time moment (‘right now’) or to the ‘counter’ (only once)?
Or just can’t suppose without a context?

2. As I understand, only not and not only have quite different meanings, almost opposite :)
The same difference is in Russian.

Only not in English. - logical :), OK
but in
I'm only not divorced because I was never married. (BNC)
it sounds a bit confusing to me.

Could you reword the last sentence replacing only not in it by some equivalent expression?
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water…

[Yankee]

Hi Tamara

Here's my input:

1.
Bill: John managed to swim the Channel.
Bob: Yeah, but only just. (i.e., he almost didn't manage it.)

Bill: John managed to swim the Channel.
Bob: Yeah, but only once. He had to be pulled out of the water halfway across during his other three attempts.

2.
I'm only not divorced because I was never married. =
The only reason I'm not divorced because I was never married.

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Tamara]

Hi Amy
Thanks for the response. The difference (in 1) is getting clearer :)

[Yankee]

[Tamara]