that’s that: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘that's that’ mean?
The idiom 'that's that' is used to conclude a discussion or resolve a situation, implying that nothing more needs to be said or done about it. It signifies finality and closure.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "that's your lot" means that something has come to an end or there is nothing more to be expected or offered. It can be used to express that there is no more of something or that there is no further opportunity or possibility.
The idiom "that's what she said" is a humorous phrase used to draw attention to statements that can be interpreted with a sexual innuendo or double entendre. It can be seen as a form of wordplay or a way to add a humorous twist to a conversation, often used in a lighthearted or joking manner.
"That's the ticket" means that something is just right or exactly what is needed. It can also express approval or agreement with a suggestion or idea.
The idiom "that's the thing" is used to emphasize a crucial point or argument in a discussion or conversation.
"That's that on that" means that something has been decided or concluded definitively, leaving no room for further discussion or debate.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
The idiom "that's just me" means expressing one's personal opinion or behavior as unique and individual, often used to excuse or justify personal preferences or quirks.
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.
The idiom "that's all she wrote" means that something is finished or ended, often with a negative or disappointing outcome. It suggests that there is nothing else to be said or done about a situation.
Finality
that's that on that is a related idiom that emphasizes the finality and conclusiveness of a situation or topic. When used, it firmly establishes that there is no need for further discussion or action. It adds an extra layer of emphasis to the phrase "that's that," emphasizing the finality even more.
For example, imagine a group of friends are discussing where to go on vacation. After a lengthy debate, one person stands up and says, "We're going to the beach, and that's that on that." In this context, the addition of "on that" strengthens the statement, making it clear that the decision is final and no further discussion will be entertained.
Similarly, "leave it at that" is another related idiom that is often used to indicate that a particular point or statement should be considered final and no further action or discussion is needed. It is often employed to prevent prolonging a conversation or argument that has reached a satisfactory conclusion.
For instance, imagine two colleagues are discussing a project and have explored all possible options. One colleague says, "Let's just leave it at that." This statement signifies that they have reached a point where no additional ideas or suggestions are necessary, and they can move forward with the agreed-upon decision.
Both "that's that on that" and "leave it at that" share a common theme of emphasizing finality and concluding a matter. They serve as markers to indicate the end of a conversation, decision-making process, or argument, providing closure and discouraging further discussion or action.
The addition of these related idiomatic expressions strengthens the overall meaning and impact of the phrase "that's that." It reinforces the idea that there is no room for negotiation or further consideration, solidifying the finality and conclusiveness of the statement.
"that's that" is an idiomatic phrase that is used to indicate the completion or finality of a particular situation or course of action. It is commonly used in informal English and primarily in spoken language. The phrase has its origins in literature and theatrical productions from the early 19th century, where it was used to emphasize the finality of a decision or the conclusion of a discussion or argument. Over time, it became a popular expression used in everyday conversations. The phrase "that's that on that" and "leave it at that" are related idioms that strengthen the finality and conclusiveness of the statement. Both phrases emphasize that no further discussion or action is necessary, providing closure and concluding a matter. These idiomatic expressions add depth and nuance to the simple phrase "that's that," making it a commonly used expression in various social and cultural contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "that's that" can be used in a sentence:
- After months of negotiation, they finally reached an agreement, and that's that.
- We tried our best to fix the old car, but it's beyond repair, so that's that.
- She asked him out on a date, but he politely declined, and that's that.
The idiom "that's that" is typically used to emphasize the finality or conclusion of a situation. It signifies that there is no more to be said, debated, or done about a particular matter. It is often employed to express acceptance or resignation in the face of an unchangeable outcome or decision.
More "Conclusiveness" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
