final decision
قرار نهائي
Use this phrase to signal that your mind is made up and you won't change it.
In 15 Seconds
- The absolute last choice after considering all other possible options.
- Signals that the time for talking and debating has officially ended.
- Used in both serious business meetings and casual daily life choices.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the absolute last choice or judgment made after considering all options. Once you reach this point, there is no more changing your mind or debating.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a new house
After seeing ten apartments, we finally made a final decision on the suburban house.
After seeing ten apartments, we finally made a final decision on the suburban house.
Ordering food with a slow friend
Are you sure about the spicy tacos? Is that your final decision?
Are you sure about the spicy tacos? Is that your final decision?
A boss talking to a team
The board of directors will announce their final decision regarding the merger tomorrow.
The board of directors will announce their final decision regarding the merger tomorrow.
Cultural Background
The phrase gained massive global popularity through the game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?', where the host's catchphrase 'Is that your final answer?' became a cultural phenomenon. In Western business culture, reaching a 'final decision' is a key milestone that signals the end of the planning phase and the start of execution.
The 'Millionaire' Reference
If you want to be funny, ask 'Is that your final answer?' in a dramatic voice. People will immediately think of the famous game show.
Don't Overuse It
If you call every small choice a 'final decision,' you might sound a bit too intense or dramatic for everyday conversation.
In 15 Seconds
- The absolute last choice after considering all other possible options.
- Signals that the time for talking and debating has officially ended.
- Used in both serious business meetings and casual daily life choices.
What It Means
Think of final decision as the end of the road. It is the moment you stop thinking and start acting. It means the debate is over. You have weighed the pros and cons. Now, you have a firm answer that stays.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with verbs like make, reach, or announce. You can say, "I've made my final decision." It sounds strong and certain. It tells people that further arguing is a waste of time. Use it when you want to sound confident and finished with a topic.
When To Use It
Use it in big life moments. This includes picking a college or buying a car. It is perfect for the office when a project plan is finished. You can also use it at a restaurant if your friend is taking forever to order. "Is that your final decision?" adds a bit of playful pressure.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it for tiny, unimportant things unless you are joking. Do not say it about choosing a sock color. It sounds too dramatic for small tasks. Also, do not use it if you are still open to suggestions. If you say it is "final," people will stop helping you choose.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, being decisive is often seen as a leadership trait. This phrase became a huge pop-culture staple because of the TV show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The host would ask, "Is that your final answer?" This made the concept of a final decision feel high-stakes and exciting for everyone.
Common Variations
You might hear people say ultimate choice or last word. In legal settings, they might say binding decision. If someone says, "My word is final," they are being very bossy. Final call is a more casual version used in sports or quick business chats.
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, versatile phrase. It works in 99% of situations from the boardroom to the living room. Just be careful with your tone so you don't sound like a dictator!
The 'Millionaire' Reference
If you want to be funny, ask 'Is that your final answer?' in a dramatic voice. People will immediately think of the famous game show.
Don't Overuse It
If you call every small choice a 'final decision,' you might sound a bit too intense or dramatic for everyday conversation.
The Power of 'Final'
In Western business, saying 'This is final' is a polite but firm way to tell someone to stop negotiating the price or terms.
Examples
6After seeing ten apartments, we finally made a final decision on the suburban house.
After seeing ten apartments, we finally made a final decision on the suburban house.
Shows the end of a long search process.
Are you sure about the spicy tacos? Is that your final decision?
Are you sure about the spicy tacos? Is that your final decision?
A playful way to ask if they are done choosing.
The board of directors will announce their final decision regarding the merger tomorrow.
The board of directors will announce their final decision regarding the merger tomorrow.
Used for high-stakes corporate announcements.
Going to the beach! That's my final decision, no more changing plans!
Going to the beach! That's my final decision, no more changing plans!
Used to stop a group chat from debating forever.
I've thought about this for months, and my final decision is that we should part ways.
I've thought about this for months, and my final decision is that we should part ways.
Conveys a sense of painful certainty.
If we don't make a final decision soon, the movie will already be over!
If we don't make a final decision soon, the movie will already be over!
Humorous take on indecisiveness.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
The manager needs to ___ a final decision by Friday.
In English, we 'make' a decision, we don't 'do' one.
Select the best word to complete the sentence.
I'm still thinking, so this isn't my ___ decision yet.
'Final' is the standard adjective used to describe a decision that is finished.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Final Decision'
Used with friends to end a debate.
That's my final decision on pizza toppings!
Standard use for personal life choices.
I've reached a final decision about my car.
Used in legal or corporate settings.
The judge's final decision is pending.
Where to use 'Final Decision'
Job Offer
Accepting a new role.
Shopping
Picking between two outfits.
Courtroom
A verdict from a jury.
Travel
Booking a flight destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsTechnically, yes. It implies that the process is over. If you change your mind later, you might lose credibility or have to pay a penalty.
Not really. 'Last decision' sounds like the most recent one you made in a series. Final decision is the standard set phrase for the end of a process.
Yes, it is very professional. You can say, 'I have reached a final decision on the budget,' and it will sound very responsible.
A decision can be tentative or a draft. A final decision means all the thinking is done and no more changes are allowed.
Yes! Referees often make a final decision after watching a replay. It means the play cannot be challenged again.
Keep it short. 'Okay, final decision: we meet at 8 PM.' It helps stop people from suggesting other times.
It depends on your tone. If you say it calmly, it's firm. If you snap it at someone, it can sound like you are shutting them down rudely.
Absolutely. You would say, 'We have reached a final decision as a team.' It shows unity.
It is a more casual, idiomatic way to say final decision. For example, 'It's your final call, do we go or stay?'
Yes, judges issue a final decision or 'final judgment' which legally ends a case in that court.
Then do not use the word 'final.' Just say, 'I've made a preliminary decision' or 'I'm leaning towards this option.'
Related Phrases
The point of no return
The stage where you cannot go back to how things were before.
The bottom line
The most important fact or the final result.
Call the shots
To be the person who makes the important decisions.
Seal the deal
To complete an agreement or make a final commitment.
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