les jeux sont faits: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘les jeux sont faits’ mean?
*Les jeux sont faits* is a French idiom that translates to "the game is up" in English. It is used to convey the idea that a situation or outcome is already determined or certain. This phrase is often used when there is no chance of changing the current situation or when a decision is final and cannot be altered.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "know the score" means to understand and be aware of the situation or the facts.
The idiom "jury is out" means that a decision or verdict has not been reached yet and it is still uncertain or undetermined. It can be used when discussing a situation or topic where the outcome or final judgment is not clear.
The idiom "in the making" means that something is currently being developed or created, and has the potential to become significant or influential in the future.
The idiom "in the game" means actively participating or being involved in a particular activity or situation.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
"Here we go" is an idiom used to convey the beginning of an event or situation, often with a sense of anticipation or resignation. It suggests that something is about to happen, and the speaker is ready to face it, whether it is a positive or negative experience.
The idiom "goose is cooked" means that a person or situation is in a dire or hopeless position, with no chance of escape or success.
The idiom "give the game away" means to reveal or expose a secret or hidden truth, usually unintentionally, thereby spoiling a surprise, plan, or strategy.
The idiom "game out" means to plan or analyze a situation in advance, especially in order to anticipate different outcomes and strategies. It is often used in the context of sports, but can also be applied to other areas of life.
Deciphering Idiom: Unraveling 'Les Jeux Sont Faits'
Les jeux sont faits is a French idiom that translates to "the games are done" or "the die is cast" in English. This idiom originated from the world of gambling and has since evolved to have a broader meaning.
The phrase les jeux sont faits is derived from the French verb "faire," meaning "to do" or "to make," and the word "jeu," which translates to "game." The word "jeu" in this context refers to a game of chance or gambling. The idiom is commonly used to express that a particular situation or outcome is inevitable and cannot be changed, similar to the phrase "the die is cast" in English.
One notable reference to this idiom is in the title of the famous 1947 existentialist play by Jean-Paul Sartre, "Huis Clos" or "No Exit," where the full line is used as the title: "L'enfer, c'est les autres" or "Hell is other people." In this context, the phrase suggests that the "game" or the situation of being trapped in a room with others who act as sources of torment is unchangeable and predetermined.
Another interesting aspect of les jeux sont faits is its association with fatalism. The idiom implies a resignation to fate and the belief that certain outcomes are predestined and beyond individual control. It is a reflection of the French cultural inclination towards existentialist and pessimistic philosophies, which emphasize the limitations of human agency and the inevitability of certain circumstances.
While les jeux sont faits originated in the world of gambling, its use has expanded beyond that specific context. It can now be applied to various situations where the outcome is deemed irreversible or predetermined. For example, it might be used to describe a situation in which a decision has been made and cannot be altered, or to express the belief that events are unfolding according to an unchangeable plan.
The idiom "game, set, match" is related to les jeux sont faits. "Game, set, match" is commonly used in the context of sports, particularly tennis, to describe the moment when one player has won the final point, securing their victory. This expression emphasizes the finality and inevitability of the outcome, much like les jeux sont faits.
Les jeux sont faits is also connected to the idiom "fun and games." This expression is often used sarcastically to refer to a situation that is not fun at all, highlighting the ironic contrast between the phrase's literal meaning and the actual experience. Similarly, les jeux sont faits suggests that the "game" or situation is not enjoyable and cannot be changed.
Furthermore, the idiom "game out" is related to les jeux sont faits. "Game out" is commonly used to describe the process of analyzing or strategizing a situation to determine the likely outcome. It involves considering all the variables and possibilities before reaching a conclusion. Les jeux sont faits, on the other hand, implies that the outcome has already been decided and there is no need for further analysis or strategizing.
Les jeux sont faits is a French idiom originating from the world of gambling. It signifies that a particular situation or outcome is inevitable and cannot be changed. This idiom is connected to other idioms such as "game, set, match," "fun and games," and "game out," which all emphasize different aspects of the finality and predetermined nature of events. Whether used in the context of sports, irony, or analysis, les jeux sont faits reflects a resignation to fate and the belief that certain outcomes are beyond individual control.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *les jeux sont faits* can be used in a sentence:
- After studying all night, Tom said to his friend, "I've made my decision. Les jeux sont faits. I'm going to apply for the job in New York."
- Marie was feeling very confident before her final exam. She told her classmates, "At this point, les jeux sont faits. We just have to do our best and hope for the best results."
- The coach gathered the team before the championship game and said, "It's the final match, everyone! Remember, les jeux sont faits. Let's give it our all and show them what we're capable of!"
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