# that's all she wrote

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thats-all-she-wrote
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Indicating an abrupt termination of a project, or of one’s hopes or plans.

## Examples

- 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.

## 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. (disputed)

---

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.