Roma locuta est, causa finita est
- idiom
- Archaic
:
Roma locuta est, causa finita est
- When the judge pronounced her verdict, it was a clear case of Roma locuta est, causa finita est.
Examples
-
In theological debates, he often invokes Roma locuta est, causa finita est to end discussion.
-
After the committee's decision, it was clear: Roma locuta est, causa finita est.
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After the CEO made his decision, the team accepted it as Roma locuta est, causa finita est.
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Don't forget: Roma locuta est, causa finita est!
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Once the board voted unanimously, they announced, Roma locuta est, causa finita est, signaling the conclusion of the debate.
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During the meeting, she declared, Roma locuta est, causa finita est, after the final vote was cast.
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The discussion ended promptly when he stated, Roma locuta est, causa finita est, emphasizing that the decision was final.
Synonyms
179
3.9
To end a problem completely so it never happens again
55
3.3
A court judgment that ends a case and must be followed
13
4.6
A final decision or ruling that ends a matter
1
9.9
A matter already decided by a court that the same people cannot bring to court again
A matter already decided by a court that cannot be tried again between the same people
How Final
- Archaic
- Informal
37
5.1
- Informal
1
5.3
- Informal
1
9.2
- Informal
5
2.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
Roma + locuta + est, + causa + finita + est
Literally the parts yield 'Rome has spoken, the case is finished', so a learner who knows the constituent meanings could infer a surface meaning that the matter is closed. However, the phrase carries a specific institutional/idiomatic sense (authority of Rome/the Church settling the issue) and is a fixed Latin formula, so the full pragmatic implication is not fully predictable from the words alone.
Etymology
Roma locuta est, causa finita est is a Latin saying that comes from the idea that when Rome or its leaders spoke, their word ended the argument. So, it means 'once an authority has decided, the matter is closed'.