# stage of the game

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stage-of-the-game
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A point in the progress of an ongoing dispute or process.

## Examples

- It is too late to change the plan at this stage of the game.
- We have already spent thousands on this project, so we cannot quit at this stage of the game.
- Given the complexity of the negotiations and the time already invested, withdrawing now, at this late stage of the game, would be a strategic disaster.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.