fait accompli

Borrowed from French fait accompli (“an accomplished fact”), from fait (“a fact”) + accompli (“accomplished”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈfeɪt.əˌkʌm.pli/

fait accompli (plural faits accomplis)

1. An accomplished fact, something that has already occurred; a (colloquial American) "done deal".
   • 1906, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, Chapter XLVII. The Dean Elect

     Mr. Quiverful's appointment to the hospital was, however, a fait accompli, and Mr. Harding's acquiescence in that appointment was not less so.

   • 1913, Saki, When William Came, Chapter VII

     “In quarters where the fait accompli is an object of solicitude,” said Yeovil.

Often said of something irreversible and/or performed without going through standard procedure, completed before those affected by it are in a position to query or reverse it.

• done deal

• IPA^(key): /fɛ.t‿a.kɔ̃.pli/

fait accompli m (plural faits accomplis)

1. a fait accompli, a done deal

Only used in the expression “placer/mettre quelqu’un devant le fait accompli” meaning “to present somebody with a fait accompli”.

fait accompli m (plural faits accomplis)

1. fait accompli (an established fact)