# when all is said and done

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/when-all-is-said-and-done
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In the end; ultimately.

## Examples

- 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.

---

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.