when all is said and done
In the end; ultimately.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“When all is said and done, we are still friends.”
“The project was difficult, but when all is said and done, the final result is excellent.”
“When all is said and done, the true measure of a person lies in their actions during times of great adversity.”
- 01
do exactly what it says on the tin
To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.
- 02
easier said than done
Easy to propose, but difficult to accomplish.
- 03
final say
The right to make a final decision.
- 04
have a say
To (receive the opportunity to) voice one's opinion.
- 05
I see, said the blind man
Expressing confusion.
- 06
I'd say
It is my estimate or opinion.
- 07
I'll say
Used to indicate emphatic agreement
- 08
let's not and say we did
Indicates that the speaker does not agree with a proposed action, and does not wish to participate.
Last updated August 10, 2026