the die [is] cast
1
used to say that something is completely decided and cannot be changed
The idiom "the die is cast" finds its origin in ancient Rome and is attributed to Julius Caesar. According to historical accounts, in 49 BCE, Julius Caesar led his troops across the Rubicon River, a boundary that marked the limit of military authority in Rome. This act defied the Senate's orders and effectively started a civil war. As Caesar crossed the river, he reportedly exclaimed "alea iacta est" in Latin, which translates to "the die is cast." The phrase refers to the throwing of dice in gambling, where once the dice are cast, the outcome becomes fixed and irreversible. This phrase can be used in personal, professional, or historical contexts to convey the idea that a course of events has been set in motion, and there is no possibility of changing or undoing the outcome.
- After submitting the resignation letter, he knew the die was cast and there was no turning back from his decision to leave the company.
- With the signing of the peace treaty, the die was cast, and the two nations embarked on a new era of diplomatic relations.
- As the final vote was cast, the politicians realized that the die was cast, and the outcome of the election was now inevitable.
- When she boarded the plane to pursue her dreams in a new country, she knew the die was cast, and there was no certainty of returning to her old life.When she boarded the plane to pursue her dreams in a new country, she knew the die was cast, and there was no certainty of returning to her old life.
- After the announcement of the merger, the employees understood that the die was cast, and significant changes were on the horizon for the company.