The die is cast.
Alea iacta est.
Meaning and origin
The Latin proverb "Alea iacta est" translates to "The die is cast" in English. It is attributed to Julius Caesar, who reportedly said this phrase as he crossed the Rubicon River with his army in 49 BC, marking the beginning of a civil war in Rome. The phrase signifies a point of no return, where a decision has been made and there is no turning back. It is often used to convey the idea that once a choice is made, the consequences must be accepted, regardless of the outcome.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- In for a penny, in for a pound.
- Sink or swim.
- What is, must be.
- Business is business.
- Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Every man is the architect of his own fortune.
- Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.
- Man proposes, God disposes.
- Once you pledge, don't hedge.
- The horse thinks one thing and he who rides him another.
Related proverbs
Equal proverbs in another language
Latin
- Alea iacta est. The die is cast.
French
- Le sort en est jeté. The die was cast.
- Le dé en est jeté. The die is cast.
German
- Die Würfel sind gefallen. The die is cast.
Czech
- Kostky jsou vrženy. The die is cast.