What does “So it goes” mean?
"So it goes" means accepting or resigning to the way things are.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After trying to change the situation, he finally said, 'So it goes.'
Example
She realized she couldn't control everything and decided to just 'So it goes'.
Example
Instead of getting upset, he shrugged his shoulders and muttered, 'So it goes.
Is “So it goes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“So it goes” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “So it goes” effectively in context?
You can use "So it goes" to express acceptance or resignation to a situation that cannot be changed or controlled. It is often used in response to unfortunate or unpleasant events. For example, if someone tells you about a failed project, you might respond with '"So it goes".'
- 1Loss or Death
After hearing about the passing of a loved one, she sighed and said, 'So it goes.'
- 2Uncontrollable Circumstances
When the flight got canceled due to bad weather, he shrugged and muttered, 'So it goes.'
- 3Accepting Imperfections
After trying to fix a broken vase, she gave up and said, 'So it goes.'
Similar phrases to “So it goes”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “So it goes” come from?
The origin of the phrase "So it goes" can be traced back to the novel 'Slaughterhouse-Five' by Kurt Vonnegut. The phrase is used throughout the book as a refrain, often appearing after a mention of death. It has since become a popular expression to convey acceptance or resignation to the way things are.
Is “So it goes” common in everyday conversation?
"So it goes" is not as common in everyday conversation as some other expressions, but it is still recognized and understood by many people. It is often used in literary or intellectual circles, and fans of Kurt Vonnegut's work may use it more frequently.
What tone does “So it goes” have?
"So it goes" conveys a tone of resignation and acceptance. It is often used in a calm and matter-of-fact manner to acknowledge the inevitability of certain events or circumstances.
Can “So it goes” be used in informal and formal settings?
"So it goes" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations or in writing, such as in personal reflections or discussions about literature.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He sighed and said, "So it goes".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"So it goes"' with a shrug to imply acceptance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- acceptance
- resignation
- that's life
- let it be
- no use crying over spilled milk
Antonyms
- take action
- make a change
- fight against
- refuse to accept
- challenge the status quo
