that’s done it: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘that's done it’ mean?

The idiom "that's done it" is used to indicate that something has reached a critical or irreversible point, often referring to a negative outcome or consequence. It implies that a particular action or event has brought about a significant change that cannot be undone.

Idiom Explorer

Unexpected Consequences

that does it is another idiom commonly used in informal spoken English. It is often used in a similar way to "that's done it," to express that something has had a significant and irrevocable effect on a situation or person. The phrase is usually used to indicate the final straw or the last action that has pushed someone to a breaking point.

For example, "I've asked him several times not to leave his dirty dishes in the sink, and when I saw them again today, that does it – I'm going to confront him about it." In this example, the phrase "that does it" is used to convey the idea that the repeated action of leaving dirty dishes in the sink has finally caused the speaker to reach their limit and take action.

that's that is another related idiom that is often used to indicate the finality or conclusion of a situation. It is typically used after an event or decision has occurred and serves to emphasize that there is no further discussion or action to be taken.

For example, "We've discussed the options at length, and we've decided to go with the blue paint. That's that." In this example, the phrase "that's that" is used to convey the idea that the decision is final and there is no need for further debate or consideration.

that's the thing is yet another related idiom that is commonly used in informal spoken English. It is often used to introduce an important point or to emphasize a particular aspect of a situation or topic.

This figurative phrase has a playful linguistic meaning.

For example, "I understand that you want to go on vacation, but that's the thing – we just can't afford it right now." In this example, the phrase "that's the thing" is used to emphasize the fact that the speaker's financial situation is the determining factor in their inability to go on vacation.

done deal is another related idiom that is often used to indicate that an agreement or decision has been finalized and is no longer subject to negotiation or change.

For example, "I've talked to the seller and we've agreed on a price for the car. It's a done deal." In this example, the phrase "done deal" is used to convey the idea that the agreement regarding the price of the car has been finalized and there is no further need for negotiation.

that's all she wrote is the final related idiom that is often used to indicate that something is finished or concluded, often with a sense of finality or inevitability.

For example, "I've tried everything I can think of to fix the computer, and that's all she wrote – it's completely broken." In this example, the phrase "that's all she wrote" is used to convey the idea that all attempts to fix the computer have been unsuccessful and there is no hope for further repair.

These idioms, including "that's done it," "that does it," "that's that," "that's the thing," "done deal," and "that's all she wrote," are all examples of informal expressions that are commonly used in spoken English. They serve to add emphasis, express frustration or resignation, convey finality, or highlight important points in a conversation. While each idiom has its own specific usage and connotation, they all share the common theme of indicating a significant impact or change in a situation or person.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "that's done it" can be used in a sentence:

  • She accidentally knocked over her glass of water, and that's done it - now there's water all over the table.
  • After months of careful planning, the team made a major mistake that's done it - the entire project is now in jeopardy.
  • He had been trying to fix his computer for hours, but when he spilled coffee on the keyboard, that's done it - now it won't turn on at all.

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