Alea iacta est
Definition
This term refers to the Latin phrase meaning "The die is cast." It signifies a point of no return, where a decision or action has been taken that cannot be undone.
Analogy
Imagine playing a board game and rolling the dice. Once you release the dice from your hand, you can't change their outcome. That's similar to when someone says "Alea iacta est" - they've made their move, and there's no going back.
Related terms
Julius Caesar: The Roman general who famously uttered "Alea iacta est" as he crossed the Rubicon River with his army, defying Roman law and sparking a civil war.
Rubicon River: A river in northern Italy that marked the boundary between Italy and Gaul. Crossing it with an army was forbidden by Roman law without permission from the Senate.
Civil War: A conflict between different groups within the same country or empire. In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon led to a civil war against Pompey and his supporters.
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