Once... happens, ...

This expression suggests that once a certain action is completed, negative consequences are inevitable; it is more formal and literary in nature.

Examples

• 彼が辞めたが最後、プロジェクトは台無しになった。

  Once he quits, the project is doomed.

• 約束を破ったが最後、信頼を失うだろう。

  If you break a promise, you will lose trust.

• 試験に遅れたが最後、チャンスを失う。

  Once you are late for the exam, you will lose your chance.

Quick check

More N1 grammar

• In the context of / In light of

  N + にあって(は)

• Based on N

  N + あっての + N

• Regardless of N

  N + いかんによらず

• As soon as V

  V-る + が早いか

• Once V, then...

  V-る + が最後

• Alongside V/N

  V-る/N の + かたわら