Fait accompli

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Grammarist

The French loanword fait accompli translates literally to accomplished fact. In English, it’s a noun phrase referring to something that has been accomplished and cannot now be changed. Although it can refer to facts or conclusions, it’s usually used in reference to deeds. A fait accompli is irreversible.

Examples

Some residents said they had considered the project a fait accompli. [New York Times]

Neither of those facts makes the purchase a fait accompli for Rogers. [Toronto Sun]

The women’s movement has come a long way, but empowering young girls to make their own decisions and strive for their own dreams is no fait accompli. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Taiwan’s opposition senses a trap: that Beijing wants to draw Taiwan into an economic bear hug so closer political ties become a fait accompli. [Financial Times]