game over
The phrase "game over" originated from video games but has since evolved into an idiomatic expression indicating the end of a situation, often with a negative connotation.
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Definition
B1Video Games
(common)A message indicating that the player has failed or completed the game.
Example
- After losing his last life, the screen displayed 'game over'.
- She saw 'game over' flash on the screen after failing the mission.
B2General
(idiomatic)A phrase indicating that a situation has definitively ended, often with a negative outcome.
Example
- When the company declared bankruptcy, it was game over for their expansion plans.
- After the argument, it felt like game over for their friendship.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "game over":