〜たらそれまでだ・〜ばそれまでだ

If (something happens), it's all over; There's no point if...

1. Overview

「〜たらそれまでだ」 and 「〜ばそれまでだ」 are expressions used to convey that if a certain action or situation occurs, then everything is lost, or there's no point in continuing. It emphasizes that no matter what has been achieved or planned, if the mentioned condition is met, it renders everything meaningless or futile. This structure is often used to express a sense of finality or resignation.

2. Structure

• Verb (た-form) + らそれまでだ
• Verb (ば-form) + それまでだ

3. Usage Explanation

• Expressing Futility:
  This structure is used to emphasize that once a particular condition is met, any further effort or expectation becomes meaningless or worthless.

• Tone of Resignation or Warning:
  It often conveys a tone of resignation or a warning that something inevitable may occur, and when it does, there’s nothing more that can be done.

• English Translation:
  It is usually translated as "If (something happens), it's all over" or "There's no point if...".

4. Example Sentences

1. どんなに練習しても、本番で失敗したらそれまでだ。
   No matter how much you practice, if you fail during the actual performance, it’s all over.

2. 努力しても、病気になってしまえばそれまでだ。
   Even if you work hard, if you get sick, it’s all for nothing.

3. いくらお金を持っていても、健康を失ったらそれまでだ。
   No matter how much money you have, if you lose your health, it's meaningless.

4. 逃げればそれまでだが、戦えば勝つ可能性がある。
   If you run away, it’s over, but if you fight, there’s a chance of winning.

5. チャンスを逃せばそれまでだ。
   If you miss the chance, that’s the end of it.

5. Key Points to Note

• Finality and Irreversibility:
  This expression indicates that once the condition is met, there’s no turning back or fixing the situation, making it very definitive.

• Often Used as a Warning:
  It is commonly used as a cautionary phrase, reminding the listener of the consequences of certain actions or events.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜ば終わりだ: This structure is similar in meaning but is slightly less formal and more commonly used in spoken language to indicate finality.
  • Example: 負ければ終わりだ。
    If we lose, it’s over.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜限りだ: Expresses the idea that as long as a certain condition is met, the situation is under control, but once it’s not, it’s over.
  • Example: 頑張る限りだ。
    As long as I keep trying, it’s okay.

8. Summary

「〜たらそれまでだ」 and 「〜ばそれまでだ」 express the idea that once a certain condition is met, there’s no point in continuing. It conveys finality and futility, often used to emphasize the consequences of an action or event. This structure carries a tone of resignation or serves as a warning, reminding the listener that some situations leave no room for recovery or continuation.