after the fact
The phrase "after the fact" is used to describe actions or decisions made following an event, often implying a retrospective nature.
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Definition
B2General
(common)Done or occurring after an event has taken place.
Example
- She regretted her decision, but it was too late to change anything after the fact.
C1Law
(technical)Relating to actions taken following the commission of a crime, such as providing aid to the offender.
Example
- He was charged as an accessory after the fact for helping the suspect escape.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "after the fact":
post factumex post factopost hocbefore the facta posterioripost obitumpost mortem