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Idioms

the die is cast

This page is about the idiom the die is cast

Meaning

We can say the die is cast after a decision has been made that will strongly affect a situation, and it can't be reversed.

For example

  • As soon as he pulled out his gun, the die was cast and he was sure to be killed by the police.

  • Bill knew the die was cast the first time he took the drug. He was going to be an addict.

Origin: Probably metaphorical, from the fact that when a die (singular form of "dice") is cast (or thrown) during a board game, the resulting move on the board cannot be reversed.

Quick Quiz

The die was cast the moment the band signed a contract with EMI. They were

a. going to a meeting

b. going to be famous

c. going to be businessmen
a) going to a meeting b) going to be famous c) going to be businessmen

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey