Definition
This idiom is used when someone acknowledges their tendency to be overly worried about others intending to harm them, but believes that in a specific instance, there is genuine cause for concern.
I've always felt like my coworkers were talking behind my back, and you might say I'm too paranoid, but this time they are genuinely plotting something.
She always thinks someone is trying to steal her ideas, which might sound paranoid, but this time she has reason to be concerned.
I usually don't think like this, but this time I really feel like someone is watching me. It may sound paranoid, but this time it really happened.