Idiom: after the fact

Definition

idiom: after the fact

after something has already happened
done or made after something has happened and it's too late to change it

Example sentences

— We had to write to the airline after the fact because we forgot to bring our frequent flyer membership cards with us when we checked in for our flight.

— We found out after the fact that the person we purchased the car from had gotten into a major accident that he didn't tell us about.

— If we had known there were going to be so many expenses before the trip we wouldn't have gone but we found out after the fact.

— I found out after the fact that I couldn't bring my backpack into the concert so I had to get a different line to put it into a locker.

— Everyone thought Joe was such a great worker but we learned after the fact that he had stolen almost $50,000 from the company.

— What good will the concert tickets be after the fact? I needed that package to arrive this morning!

— I'm really sorry but you can't make any changes to the brochure after the fact—it's already gone to the printer.

— We absolutely have to send the contract to our lawyer for review because the last time this client tried to change some of the terms of our agreement after the fact.

— Can you please sign this birthday card? Unfortunately, we didn't find out until after the fact that it was John's birthday last Friday.

— I didn't have time to complain during the conference but I wrote a scathing letter to Hilton Hotels' customer service after the fact and they sent me a coupon for $500 off my next hotel stay.

— If you have something to say, tell me now. I don't want to find out after the fact that you were upset about something.

Download your free illustrated idioms eBook!

Want to expand your idiom knowledge even further? Download our free eBook, '25 Illustrated Idioms,' to learn more useful expressions with fun visuals that make understanding idioms a breeze. Sign up now to get your free copy!

Idiom: after the fact

Definition

Example sentences

Download your free illustrated idioms eBook!

You might like these idioms