IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englishthe die is cast
Meaning: A decision has been made and cannot be undone.
Example: “Once the invitations went out, the die was cast: the wedding was in June.”
Origin: From Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon in 49 BC. Suetonius gives his words as alea iacta est (the die has been thrown), while Plutarch says he quoted a Greek play. A "die" is a single dice. See also "cross the Rubicon."
Equivalents in other languages
Dutch: de teerling is geworpen Literally: The die is thrown
French: Alea jacta est Literally: The die is cast
More English idioms
- the be-all and end-all The most important thing, or the only thing that matters.
- eat humble pie To admit one was wrong and apologize humbly.
- year in, year out Continually, every year without change.
- sign one's own death warrant To do something that will cause one's own ruin.
- child's play Something very easy to do.
- at death's door Very close to dying, or feeling extremely ill.
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- Tu as du chien You have a certain irresistible magnetism — a je-ne-sais-quoi that draws people in.
- Tu as la tête sur les épaules You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.
- Tu as le vent en poupe Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
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