the die is cast

1 definition found

the die is cast - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Die \Die\, n.; pl. in 1 and (usually) in 2, Dice (d[imac]s);
     in 4 & 5, Dies (d[imac]z). [OE. dee, die, F. d['e], fr. L.
     datus given, thrown, p. p. of dare to give, throw. See Date
     a point of time.]
     1. A small cube, marked on its faces with spots from one to
        six, and used in playing games by being shaken in a box
        and thrown from it. See Dice.
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     2. Any small cubical or square body.
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              Words . . . pasted upon little flat tablets or dies.
                                                    --Watts.
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     3. That which is, or might be, determined, by a throw of the
        die; hazard; chance.
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              Such is the die of war.               --Spenser.
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     4. (Arch.) That part of a pedestal included between base and
        cornice; the dado.
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     5. (Mach.)
        (a) A metal or plate (often one of a pair) so cut or
            shaped as to give a certain desired form to, or
            impress any desired device on, an object or surface,
            by pressure or by a blow; used in forging metals,
            coining, striking up sheet metal, etc.
        (b) A perforated block, commonly of hardened steel used in
            connection with a punch, for punching holes, as
            through plates, or blanks from plates, or for forming
            cups or capsules, as from sheet metal, by drawing.
        (c) A hollow internally threaded screw-cutting tool, made
            in one piece or composed of several parts, for forming
            screw threads on bolts, etc.; one of the separate
            parts which make up such a tool.
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     Cutting die (Mech.), a thin, deep steel frame, sharpened to
        a cutting edge, for cutting out articles from leather,
        cloth, paper, etc.
  
     The die is cast, the hazard must be run; the step is taken,
        and it is too late to draw back; the last chance is taken.
        Diecian