Phrase guide

the damage is done

phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

The harm has occurred, and nothing can be done to prevent it now; it might have been preventable, but cannot be prevented retroactively.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • By the time Jack can get there it will be too late. The damage will have been done.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: skaden er sket — Translations
  • Finnish: vahinko on jo tapahtunut — Translations
  • French: le mal est fait — Translations
  • Portuguese: o mal está feito — Translations
  • Swedish: skadan är skedd — Translations