Foregone Conclusion
Definition:
A "foregone conclusion" is a noun that means something that is certain to happen or an outcome that is obvious and cannot be changed. When you think of a foregone conclusion, you can imagine a result that everyone expects will occur, making it seem inevitable.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "foregone conclusion" in conversations or writing when you want to express that something is already decided or that the outcome is predictable. It is often used in contexts like sports, competitions, or decisions where the result is clear before it actually happens.
Example:
- "Given the team's strong performance this season, their victory in the championship game is a foregone conclusion."
Advanced Usage:
In more complex discussions, you might use "foregone conclusion" in contexts involving predictions or decisions where various factors lead to an expected outcome. For instance, in a debate about a political election, one might say, "With the current polls, the incumbent's re-election seems like a foregone conclusion."
Word Variants:
- There are no direct variants of "foregone conclusion," but you can use "foregone" as an adjective (e.g., "foregone decisions") in different contexts.
Different Meaning:
The phrase "foregone" itself means something that has already been decided or is inevitable. It can also refer to something that is past or has gone before.
Synonyms:
- Inevitable result - Certain outcome - Predetermined result - Obvious conclusion
Idioms:
While there isn't a direct idiom equivalent to "foregone conclusion," you might hear phrases like "cast in stone" or "set in stone," which imply that something is fixed and unchangeable.
Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't specific phrasal verbs that directly correspond to "foregone conclusion," but you might consider phrases like "come to a conclusion," which means to reach a decision or opinion about something.