それまでだ

それまでだ is an expression meaning "that's the end of it," "it's all over," or "there's no point." It conveys the idea that if a certain condition is met (or not met), everything will have been in vain or the situation will be beyond saving. It carries a tone of resignation or finality.

Usage 1: "If… then it's all for nothing"

The most common pattern pairs a conditional clause (～ば／～たら／～と) with それまでだ, expressing that if something happens (or fails to happen), all effort will be wasted and the situation is hopeless.

In this usage, それまでだ often implies a warning or caution – the speaker is pointing out a risk that would nullify everything.

Usage 2: "That's the end of it" / Resigned acceptance

それまでだ can also be used to express resigned acceptance that something is finished or that there is nothing more to be done. In this case, it often follows 〜～といわれれば言われれば or 〜～といってしまえば言ってしまえば, meaning "if you put it that way, then that's that."

Usage 3: Expressing determination with ～までだ

The broader pattern ～までだ (without それ) can also express determination – "I'll just do X" – but それまでだ specifically carries the nuance of finality and futility. Be careful not to confuse the two.

Formality

This expression is used in both spoken and written Japanese. The polite form is それまでです. It is common in essays, speeches, and serious conversations, and is characteristic of N1-level grammar.