No turning back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "No turning back" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a decision has been made or a point has been reached where one cannot revert to a previous state or option. Example: "After signing the contract, there was no turning back; we were committed to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eyes forward, no turning back!

The New Yorker

There was literally no turning back.

The Economist

Probably there is already no turning back.

The New Yorker

Since then, there's been no turning back.

Independent

But selling the car meant no turning back.

The New York Times

There really is no turning back.

Huffington Post

No turning back.

The New York Times - Sports

No Turning Back, by Rania Abouzeid (Norton).

The New Yorker

No turning back now.

WikiHow

There's no turning back.

The New York Times

When there's no turning back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "No turning back" to emphasize the finality of a decision or action, making it clear that there is no possibility of reversing course.

Common error

Avoid using "No turning back" lightly; it should be reserved for situations where the consequences of a decision are truly irreversible and significant.

Linguistic Context

"No turning back" functions as an idiomatic phrase indicating a point of no return. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. It signifies that a decision or action has made it impossible to revert to a previous state. The phrase is often used to express commitment or the finality of a choice, similar to the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "No turning back" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a point of no return. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to emphasize the irrevocability of a decision or situation. While alternatives like "point of no return" or "no going back" exist, "No turning back" is a direct and effective way to convey the finality of a choice. It's important to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the consequences are truly irreversible. Be mindful of the weight it carries and use it to underscore significant commitments or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Point of no return

Indicates a stage where reversing a decision or action is impossible.

No going back

Similar in meaning, emphasizing the impossibility of returning to a previous state.

Past the point of no return

Highlights that the irreversible action has already occurred.

Irreversible decision

Focuses on the decision itself being unchangeable.

Committed to the course

Emphasizes dedication to a chosen path, making reversal unlikely.

No retreat

Suggests a firm stance against abandoning a position or decision.

The die is cast

An idiomatic expression signifying an irrevocable decision has been made.

Beyond recall

Emphasizes that the action or situation cannot be undone or reversed.

Set in stone

Highlights the permanence and unchangeable nature of a decision or plan.

A Rubicon has been crossed

Referencing Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon, indicating a decisive and irreversible step.

FAQs

How can I use "No turning back" in a sentence?

You can use "No turning back" to emphasize that a decision is final and irreversible. For example, "Once the contract was signed, there was "no turning back"." or "After investing all our savings, there's "no turning back" now; we have to make this business succeed."

What does "No turning back" mean?

"No turning back" means that a decision or action has been taken that cannot be reversed, and one must continue forward despite any challenges or consequences.

What are some alternatives to "No turning back"?

Alternatives include phrases like "point of no return", "no going back", or "the die is cast". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "No turning back"?

Yes, "No turning back" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It functions as a statement indicating the impossibility of reversing a decision or action.