The-die-is-cast Definition
(idiomatic) The future is determined; there are no more options; events will proceed in an irreversible manner; the point of no return has been passed.
Origin of The-die-is-cast
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The form “the die is cast” is from the Latin iacta alea est, a mistranslation by Suetonius, 121 CE, of the Ancient Greek phrase of Menander «Ἀνερρίφθω κύβος» (anerriphtho kybos), which Caesar quoted in Greek (not Latin). The Greek translates rather as “let the die be cast!”, or “Let the game be ventured!”, which would instead translate in Latin as iacta alea esto.
From Wiktionary
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Suetonius’s much-quoted and much-translated translation of the Greek (as reported by Plutarch) is apparently incorrect – according to Lewis and Short, the phrase used was a future active imperative, “let the die be cast!”, or “Let the game be ventured!”, which would instead translate in Latin as iacta alea esto.
From Wiktionary
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From games of chance in which the outcome is determined by the throwing of dice or a single die. Popularized by its use by Julius Caesar when he crossed the Rubicon to begin a civil war in the Roman Republic, indicating the commission of an irreversible act, whence also cross the Rubicon.
From Wiktionary
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Caesar in turn was quoting Menander, his favorite Greek comic dramatist, specifically “Ἀρρηφόρῳ” (Arrephoria, or “The Flute-Girl”), as quoted in Deipnosophistae, Book 13, paragraph 8.
From Wiktionary
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Originally stated by Caesar in Ancient Greek as «Ἀνερρίφθω κύβος» [script?] (anerriphtho kybos), as reported by Plutarch:
From Wiktionary
Historical details
From Wiktionary
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