36-one at a time

[matilda]

Dear all

Hello

What does (one at a time) mean in the following sentence? And shall I use (the) before (water)

The man was picking up starfish and, one at a time, he was throwing them back into the water.

Thanks a million

Matilda

[Johan[@CLT]]

Hi Matilda,

It means "one by one". Instead of taking big grabs he picks them up one by one (separately).

Kind Regards