once and for all

Idioms  

1. As a settled matter, finally, permanently, as in Once and for all, we're not hiring that organist again, or We've settled that question once and for all. This expression is in effect an abbreviation for “one time and for all time.” [Late 1400s]

---

Example Sentences

Interestingly, despite her apparent eagerness to hold on to her California property, Simpson had previously expressed a desire to quit the Golden State once and for all.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Announcing the amendments in February, he said that "Kazakhstan is once and for all moving away from a super-presidential form of rule and transitioning to a presidential republic with a strong parliament."

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

“I’d rather tell this embarrassing story myself and get it over with once and for all so I can finally be free and close this chapter.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

She called for the council to "get around a negotiating table and sort this out for the people of Birmingham once and for all".

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The exposition, if built right—if it topped Paris—might dispel that sentiment once and for all.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson