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English Idioms and Phrases: A foregone conclusion
Meaning
The definition of the phrase 'a foregone conclusion' means something that is inevitable, a conclusion which is certain.
"We will all die, it is a foregone conclusion"
It can also be used to demonstrate a level of belief in something for example a football fan may say "Manchester will beat Arsenal today, it is a foregone conclusion"
While the fan does not know for certain this is what he believes, or wants to believe.
Origin
Like many idioms and phrases in the English language, this phrase originates in the work of William Shakespeare.
First seen in the English language in the play "The tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice" (quite often referred to simply as "Othello" which was first published in 1565.
In Act 3, scene 3 Othello says to Iago
"But this denoted a foregone conclusion"
It was used in the same meaning as is currently in use.
Alternatives or Synonyms
Certainty, definite outcome / result