C2idiomdecisions
the die is cast
USUK
a decision has been made and cannot be changed, so events will now follow
Often at a point of no return, in formal or literary style. 'Die' is the singular of 'dice', so 'the dice is cast' is a common slip.
In context
Once the contracts were signed, the die was cast, and we could only wait.
He pressed send on his resignation email and knew the die was cast.
Common mistake
Incorrect: Now we have signed, the dice is cast.
Correct: Now we have signed, the die is cast.
More idioms about decisions
- a Catch-22a situation you can't escape because each solution depends on the other
- a change of hearta change in your opinion or plan, usually towards a kinder or different view
- a double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effects
- a fait accomplisomething already decided or done that others must now accept
- a foregone conclusiona result that is certain before it happens