that’s your lot: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘that's your lot’ mean?

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.

Idiom Explorer

Cracking the Mystery

That's your lot is an idiomatic expression commonly used in British English. It is typically used to convey the idea of finality or completion. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 18th or early 19th century and has since become a well-known idiom in the English language.

One possible origin of the idiom can be traced back to the world of theater. In theatrical productions, actors are often given a cue or line indicating that their part in the performance is finished. This line is referred to as a "cut." It is possible that "that's your lot" evolved from the use of this phrase in the theater, as a way of signaling the end of an actor's role or contribution.

Another possible origin of the idiom may be related to the concept of allotment or distribution. In this sense, "that's your lot" could be interpreted as a means of informing someone that they have received all of what was available or allotted to them. This interpretation aligns with the idea of finality and completion that the idiom often conveys.

Furthermore, the idiom can also be understood in a broader sense, beyond its specific origins. It has come to represent the idea of accepting an outcome or result without any further expectation or hope for more. It implies that there is no room for negotiation or possibility of obtaining additional benefits or rewards. It emphasizes the notion of finality and acceptance of one's portion or share.

"no more" is another idiomatic expression that is closely related to "that's your lot." The phrase "no more" is commonly used to indicate that there is nothing else remaining or available. It is often used in the context of declaring that something has reached its end or limit. This aligns with the sense of finality and completion conveyed by "that's your lot."

In a similar vein, "come to an end" is yet another related idiom that shares the concept of finality and completion. When something "comes to an end," it means that it has reached its conclusion or finished its course. This mirrors the idea behind "that's your lot," as both expressions emphasize the idea of something reaching its finality or conclusion.

Overall, "that's your lot" is an idiom that conveys finality, completion, and the acceptance of a given outcome. Its origins may be linked to the world of theater or the concept of distribution. However, the exact etymology may remain uncertain, leaving room for speculation and further exploration.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "that's your lot" can be used in a sentence:

  1. "I've finished cooking, so that's your lot for dinner."
  2. "We've sold out of tickets for the concert, so if you haven't bought any yet, then that's your lot."
  3. "You've completed all the assigned tasks, so that's your lot for today. You can take a break now."

Analysis:

The idiom "that's your lot" is a colloquial expression used to convey the meaning of "that's all there is" or "that's all you will receive." It is often employed to indicate that there is nothing more of a particular thing available, either implying an end, closure, or a limitation to what has been provided or attained.

The idiom can be used when someone has finished or completed something and there will be no further additions or opportunities related to it. It can be used in various contexts, such as finishing a task, completing a meal, or running out of a particular item or options.

In the provided examples, the idiom has been used to indicate the end of cooking for dinner, the unavailability of concert tickets, and the completion of assigned tasks for the day.

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