sealed fate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sealed fate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where the outcome is inevitable or predetermined, often with a negative connotation. Example: "After making that decision, she felt as though she had sealed her fate and could not turn back."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Decades ago, a recipe for sabudana vada sealed the fate and fortune of Prakash.

The New York Times - Travel

His posting to Paris sealed her fate.

The Economist

The conviction sealed her fate.

The New Yorker

The oversight sealed her fate for posterity.

The New York Times

WHAT sealed the fate of Bank of America?

The Economist

Parr's effort sealed their fate.

The Guardian - Sport

That barren victory sealed the fate of the Southern Confederacy".

The New York Times

Mr. Wasson adds: "That wink, she thought, sealed his fate".

The New York Times - Books

The FSA says that Ashikaga's insolvency sealed its fate.

The Economist

And after Huddlestone's early miss, Adebayor sealed their fate.

Independent

This new development sealed the fate of the pewter trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sealed fate" when you want to convey a sense of inevitability, especially with a negative or serious outcome. It adds a dramatic or literary flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "sealed fate" in everyday conversations or lighthearted writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in informal situations. Opt for simpler phrases like "that's it" or "it's done" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sealed fate" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a noun phrase or part of a predicate. It describes a situation where the outcome is predetermined and cannot be changed. Since Ludwig has confirmed that this is a correct phrase, we can deduce that the examples of this are working in correct English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Less common in

Formal & Business

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Academia

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Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sealed fate" is a grammatically sound idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of an inevitable outcome, often with a negative connotation. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its frequency is currently rare. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember that its dramatic tone might not be suitable for casual settings; simpler expressions may be more appropriate in informal situations. Consider alternatives like "predetermined outcome" or "inevitable consequence" to suit varying contexts. Given its common use in journalistic contexts, this phrase carries a neutral level of register, however, you should note that the impact of its use can change significantly depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predetermined outcome

Focuses on the preplanned or destined nature of the result, removing the negative connotation.

inevitable consequence

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing that the outcome is a direct result of previous actions.

unavoidable destiny

Emphasizes the idea of destiny and something that cannot be dodged or averted.

foregone conclusion

Suggests that the outcome was known or expected in advance, often implying a lack of genuine choice or influence.

inescapable result

Focuses on the impossibility of avoiding the outcome, emphasizing its certainty.

writing on the wall

An idiom suggesting that signs of an impending negative outcome were visible, but ignored.

point of no return

Emphasizes the moment when a decision or action makes the subsequent outcome unavoidable.

set in stone

Suggests a decision or situation is unchangeable and permanent.

path is irreversible

Focuses on the inability to go back or change the course of action.

the die is cast

An idiom implying a decision has been made and cannot be altered, similar to "sealed fate" but more decisive.

FAQs

How can I use "sealed fate" in a sentence?

You can use "sealed fate" to describe a situation where the outcome is inevitable, often negatively. For example, "His mistake "sealed his fate" and he lost the competition".

What can I say instead of "sealed fate"?

You can use alternatives like "predetermined outcome", "inevitable consequence", or "unavoidable destiny" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sealed fate" only used in negative situations?

"Sealed fate" is most commonly used to describe negative or serious outcomes, but it can occasionally be used in a neutral or even positive sense depending on the context and the speaker's intent. However, the negative connotation is more prevalent.

What's the difference between "sealed fate" and "point of no return"?

"Sealed fate" describes the finality of an outcome, while "point of no return" refers to the specific moment when a decision makes a certain outcome inevitable. "Sealed fate" focuses on the end result; "point of no return" focuses on the critical action or decision.