what's done is done
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Events that have already taken place cannot be changed and actions that have already been committed cannot be undone, so it is best not to dwell on them.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
As I mentioned in a round-table conversation with my colleagues on Saturday, I’m worried that all too many people will say: Well, in a perfect world Trump should have gone to Congress, but what’s done is done. That is exactly the wrong way to approach this war.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “what's done is done” mean?
Events that have already taken place cannot be changed and actions that have already been committed cannot be undone, so it is best not to dwell on them.
Is “what's done is done” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.