Meaning
A situation is irreversible, meaning a decision cannot be changed or undone.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, this phrase is often linked to the concept of 'Fado'. It expresses a stoic acceptance of one's lot in life. Brazilians might use 'Não tem jeito' more often in casual speech, but 'Não há volta a dar' appears frequently in high-quality journalism and literature. In Luanda, the phrase is used with the same sense of finality, often in the context of social or family obligations that cannot be avoided. Used frequently in formal political discourse to describe the necessity of certain national paths or agreements.
Use for emphasis
Add 'mesmo' or 'infelizmente' to sound more like a native speaker: 'Infelizmente, não há mesmo volta a dar.'
Don't say 'fazer'
Never say 'não há volta a fazer'. It's the most common mistake for foreigners.
Meaning
A situation is irreversible, meaning a decision cannot be changed or undone.
Use for emphasis
Add 'mesmo' or 'infelizmente' to sound more like a native speaker: 'Infelizmente, não há mesmo volta a dar.'
Don't say 'fazer'
Never say 'não há volta a fazer'. It's the most common mistake for foreigners.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
O contrato já foi assinado, por isso não ______ volta a dar.
The standard existential form uses 'haver' (há).
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Não há volta a dar'?
Situation:
This is an irreversible physical change, fitting the 'no going back' meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Achas que o chefe vai mudar de ideia sobre o nosso bónus? B: ________________________.
The first option correctly uses the idiom to express finality due to a fixed budget.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesO contrato já foi assinado, por isso não ______ volta a dar.
The standard existential form uses 'haver' (há).
Situation:
This is an irreversible physical change, fitting the 'no going back' meaning.
A: Achas que o chefe vai mudar de ideia sobre o nosso bónus? B: ________________________.
The first option correctly uses the idiom to express finality due to a fixed budget.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNot exactly. 'Impossible' means it can't happen. 'Não há volta a dar' means it *already* happened or is decided, and you can't undo it.
Yes, but 'Não tem jeito' is more common in casual conversation. In writing, 'Não há volta a dar' is perfect.
Related Phrases
Dar a volta por cima
contrastTo overcome a difficult situation
Sem volta
similarOne-way / No return
Ponto de não retorno
similarPoint of no return
Não tem jeito
synonymThere's no way / It's hopeless
