a word (once) spoken is past recalling
a word (once) spoken is past recalling
It is impossible to withdraw one's words or undo their effects once they have been spoken aloud. A: "I told her I was sorry for what I said. I was only joking, but I should have known better." B: "It's going to take more than that to win her back. A word spoken is past recalling." Remember that a word once spoken is past recalling, so you must choose what you say very carefully when you stand before the council.
See also: past, recall, spoken, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
word (once) spoken is past recalling
Prov. Once you have said something, you cannot undo the result of having said it. Hilary apologized for having called Mark's suit cheap, but Mark was still offended. A word once spoken is past recalling.
See also: past, recall, spoken, word
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- a word (once) spoken cannot be recalled
- recall
- word spoken is past recalling
- aloud
- at (one's) expense
- at expense
- at somebody's expense
- at someone's expense
- at doorstep
- at (one's) doorstep