What does “What is done cannot be undone.” mean?
"What is done cannot be undone" means that once something is done, it cannot be changed or undone. It suggests that we should be careful and thoughtful in our actions, as we cannot go back and change what has been done.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I wish I could undo my mistake, but what is done cannot be undone. I have to live with the consequences.
Example
She realized that what is done cannot be undone and regretted her impulsive decision.
Example
He tried to apologize, but what is done cannot be undone. The damage was already done
Is “What is done cannot be undone.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“What is done cannot be undone.” 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 “What is done cannot be undone.” effectively in context?
You can use "What is done cannot be undone" to express the idea that past actions or decisions cannot be undone or changed. It serves as a reminder to be thoughtful and careful in our choices, as we must face the consequences of our actions. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this proverb:
- 1Regret
After realizing the impact of her words, she understood that what is done cannot be undone. She deeply regretted her hurtful comments.
- 2Acceptance
He finally came to terms with the fact that what is done cannot be undone. Instead of dwelling on the past, he focused on making positive changes for the future.
- 3Responsibility
The company faced a major setback due to a poor business decision. The CEO acknowledged that what is done cannot be undone and took full responsibility for the consequences.
Similar phrases to “What is done cannot be undone.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “What is done cannot be undone.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "What is done cannot be undone" can be traced back to Shakespeare's play Macbeth. In Act 5, Lady Macbeth reflects on the consequences of her actions and says, 'What's done cannot be undone.' The phrase has since become a popular proverb, emphasizing the idea that once something is done, it cannot be changed or reversed.
Is “What is done cannot be undone.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "What is done cannot be undone" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. People often use it to reflect on past actions or to remind themselves and others that it's important to think before acting.
What tone does “What is done cannot be undone.” have?
"What is done cannot be undone" conveys a tone of reflection and acceptance. It acknowledges the permanence of past actions and encourages individuals to learn from their mistakes and move forward.
Can “What is done cannot be undone.” be used in informal and formal settings?
This proverb is considered formal and can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is often used in reflective or philosophical discussions, as well as in personal conversations or writing.
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, 'I made a terrible mistake, but I know that "what is done cannot be undone".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "what is done cannot be undone".' to imply acceptance of a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- actions speak louder than words
- what's done is done
- there's no going back
- the die is cast
- you can't turn back the clock
Antonyms
- learn from your mistakes
- make amends
- start fresh
- turn over a new leaf
- change the course
