That's all she wrote
Definitions
- to indicate the end or completion of something
to suggest that there is nothing more to be said or done about a situation
Examples of That's all she wrote
The murder mystery novel ended abruptly with the phrase, "That's all she wrote."
This use of the idiom "That's all she wrote" indicates that the author has come to the end of the story and there is no more information to be revealed. The phrase is taken from a letter written by a woman imprisoned for industrial espionage during World War II. She signed her letters, "Yours for H," which stood for "happiness," and added the words "all she wrote" after her name, implying that her letter contained all she had to say on the subject.
The artist's final statement on the subject was a simple, "That's all she wrote."
This use of the idiom implies that the artist has finished explaining herself and has exhausted all possible points of view on the issue at hand. It suggests that the artist has given a definitive account of her thoughts and that further discussion is superfluous.
The CEO's presentation came to a close with a final, "That's all she wrote."
This use of the idiom indicates that the speaker has exhausted all relevant information and has brought the presentation to a close. It suggests that the audience can now draw their own conclusions based on the facts presented.
The musician's last album ended with a simple, "That's all she wrote."
This use of the idiom signifies that the musician has completed the album and has communicated everything she wanted to say through the music. It suggests that the listener can now move on to other musical works or simply enjoy the album as a whole.
Emma had been working on her book for months, pouring her heart and soul into every page. After submitting the final draft to her publisher, she received a letter in the mail. Inside was a single sheet of paper, crisp and clean, with Emma's signature at the bottom. The note read, "Thanks for your submission, but we're sorry to inform you that we're not interested in publishing your book. That's all she wrote."
In this example, "That's all she wrote" is used to indicate the end of something, specifically Emma's effort to get her book published. The phrase is often used to signal the completion or conclusion of a particular endeavor, particularly one that involves writing or communication. In this case, it suggests that Emma's attempt to get her book published has come to an end, and there's nothing more she can do to change the publisher's decision. It's a succinct and poignant way of expressing finality or closure.
The detective received a mysterious letter from an unknown source. The author of the letter revealed crucial information about the case, but left no signature or return address. The detective was left with a sense of intrigue and suspicion. After weeks of investigation, he finally tracked down the author of the letter. To his surprise, it turned out to be the victim's wife, who had passed away recently. It was then that the detective realized, that's all she wrote.
The idiom 'that's all she wrote' is used here to indicate that the victim's wife, who was the author of the letter, had no more secrets to reveal. Her letter contained all the crucial information she had, and there was nothing else left to be said or discovered. The detective had finally reached the end of the case, and could close the book on it.
Conclusion
The idiom "That's all she wrote" is commonly used to convey that something has come to an end, often unexpectedly or disappointingly. It can be used to express finality or to indicate that there is no further information or action to be taken regarding a particular matter. The phrase is typically used in a casual or colloquial context to convey the idea that a situation is finished and there is no more to be said or done.People often use "That's all she wrote" to express a sense of resignation or acceptance about an outcome, especially when it is not favorable. It can also be used humorously to acknowledge the conclusion of an event or circumstance. Overall, the idiom is used to convey the finality of a situation and to suggest that there is no need for further discussion or action.
Origin of "That's all she wrote"
The origin of the idiom "That's all she wrote" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early to mid-20th century. The phrase is thought to have its roots in popular culture, possibly stemming from song lyrics or storytelling traditions. The exact source of the idiom is unclear, but it has become a well-known expression in the English language.
The idiom may have originated as a colloquial or slang expression and gained popularity over time. It is often used in informal speech and writing to convey a sense of finality or closure. While the exact origin of "That's all she wrote" remains a bit of a mystery, its meaning and usage have become widely recognized and understood in modern English.