PhrasesHub

Fait accompli

    Definitions

      • something that is already done or decided
        Referring to a situation where a decision or action has already been taken and cannot be changed, often used to express frustration or disappointment

      • an accomplished fact
        Describing a situation that is already a reality, often used to imply that it cannot be changed or undone

    Examples of Fait accompli

    • The thief had already stolen the precious artifact by the time the security guards arrived.

      This is an example of "fait accompli" because the crime has already been committed and cannot be undone, making it a completed fact or situation.

    • The company decided to downsize, and we were informed of the layoffs via email. By the time we received the message, it was a done deal.

      This is a case of "fait accompli" because the decision to downsize and lay off employees had already been made, and there was nothing we could do to change it.

    • The politician proposed a bill that passed overwhelmingly in the Senate. By the time the House of Representatives had a chance to review it, it was a done deal.

      This is an example of "fait accompli" because the bill had already been approved by the Senate, making it difficult for the House to make any significant changes or stop the bill from becoming law.

    • The teacher announced at the beginning of the semester that there would be a final exam, and there was no option to change or opt-out of the exam. By the end of the course, the final exam was a "fait accompli."

      This is a case of "fait accompli" because the decision to have a final exam had already been made at the beginning of the semester, making it an irreversible fact that students had to contend with.

    • The thief had already made off with the jewels by the time the security guard arrived. The police arrived to find that the crime was a fait accompli.

      This example shows that the crime has already been committed and cannot be undone, making it a fait accompli. It is a way to communicate that the situation is final and cannot be changed. This idiom is used in the context of a crime because it implies that justice is now out of reach and there is little that can be done to rectify the situation.

    • The negotiations between the two nations had reached a fait accompli. Both sides had made their points and were content to walk away from the table with the status quo.

      This example shows that negotiations have come to an end and both parties are satisfied with the outcome. In other words, the result is final and cannot be changed. This idiom is used in a political context to convey that the two parties have reached a decision that they are satisfied with and there is little that can be done to change it.

    • The student had completed the entire exam paper in record time and was now waiting for the invigilator to collect it. The exam was a fait accompli.

      This example shows that the student has already completed the exam and is now waiting for the invigilator to collect it. In other words, the student's performance on the exam cannot be changed and is now a fait accompli. This idiom is used in an academic context to communicate that the exam is now final and cannot be changed.

    • The rains had stopped and the floodwaters had receded, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The disaster was a fait accompli.

      This example shows that the rains have stopped and the floodwaters have receded, meaning that the disaster is now a fait accompli. This idiom is used in the context of a natural disaster to communicate that the disaster has already occurred and the situation cannot be changed.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fait accompli" can be used in two general contexts. The first is to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task, by advising against it and cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. The second is to refer to a decision or action that has already been taken, emphasizing that it cannot be changed or undone.

    In the first context, the idiom is often used as a warning or a piece of advice, suggesting that the person should not waste their time or effort on something that is already a "fait accompli." This can be seen in phrases such as "Don't bother trying to change their minds, it's a fait accompli" or "It's a fait accompli, there's no point in arguing about it."

    In the second context, the idiom is used to describe a situation that is already a reality, emphasizing that it cannot be changed or undone. This is often used in a negative or frustrated tone, to express disappointment or resignation. For example, someone might say "The decision is a fait accompli, we have no choice but to accept it" or "It's a fait accompli, we can't go back now."

    Origin of "Fait accompli"

    The idiom "fait accompli" originated from French, where it literally translates to "accomplished fact." It first appeared in the late 17th century in French legal documents, and made its way into English usage in the early 18th century.

    The phrase was originally used to refer to a fact or action that had already been completed, often in the context of a legal document or decision. Over time, it evolved to be used in a more general sense, to describe any situation that was already a reality and could not be changed.

    Today, the idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written English, and has become a well-known phrase to express the idea of something that is already done and cannot be changed. It is often used in formal contexts, such as in business or politics, but can also be used in everyday conversation.