Example
“Once the resignation letter was published, the die was cast and there was no turning back.”
Recorded usage
These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.
Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
every which way
CEFR B1in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way
go downhill
CEFR B1to become progressively worse in condition, quality, or performance
go with the flow
CEFR B1To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.
make up one's mind
CEFR B1to reach a decision, especially for oneself rather than following others
not on your life
CEFR B1used to refuse a suggestion in the strongest possible terms
now or never
CEFR B1A moment when immediate action is necessary because the opportunity will not return.
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.