that's all she wrote
Indicating an abrupt termination of a project, or of one’s hopes or plans.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The engine died, and that's all she wrote.”
“My old laptop screen turned black, and that's all she wrote.”
“We ran out of money halfway through the project, so that's all she wrote.”
“I missed the last bus home and didn't have enough money for a taxi, so that's all she wrote for my night out.”
“The rain started pouring down right as we began the outdoor wedding ceremony, and that's all she wrote for the garden party.”
“When the final investor withdrew his support, the startup collapsed, and that's all she wrote for their ambitious expansion plans.”
first recorded 20th c. disputed origin
The origin of the phrase is uncertain, though it is widely thought to be a reference to the Dear John letters sent to servicemen. It emerged in the early 20th century, with a printed reference appearing in the Brownsville Herald in June 1935. Ernest Tubb later recorded a song titled "That's All She Wrote," with the sheet music published in 1942, but the expression had already entered the American lexicon as a shorthand for an abrupt and final conclusion.
- 01
have one's name written all over
To be typical of a particular individual, particularly with respect to a crime or scheme.
- 02
that's about the size of it
That is the situation; that is how it is.
- 03
that's done it
Used to announce a successful solution to a problem.
- 04
that's just me
Indicates the expression of a personal opinion, but often used ironically as an understatement.
- 05
that's saying something
Said of something that has an even greater impact or effect than what is readily apparent, considering the context.
- 06
that's that
There is nothing more to say or to do concerning the matter and is not up for discussion or debate.
- 07
that's that on that
Synonym of that's that; there is nothing more to say or to do concerning the matter and is not up for discussion or debate.
- 08
that's the thing
Used to seize on a point and highlight its comparative importance, especially as a refutation or negation to a statement made by another speaker.
Last updated August 10, 2026