In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a situation that is completely settled and final.
- Used when a decision is irreversible or a deal is closed.
- Equivalent to 'a done deal' or 'water under the bridge'.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is already decided, finished, or a 'done deal' that cannot be changed. It is like saying 'the die is cast' or 'it's water under the bridge' regarding a settled matter.
Key Examples
3 of 6Confirming a business deal
O contrato já foi assinado, agora é sal comido.
The contract has been signed; now it's a done deal.
Talking about a past relationship
Não vale a pena chorar, entre nós é sal comido.
It's not worth crying; between us, it's over and done.
Texting about concert tickets
Já comprei os bilhetes! Sal comido!
I already bought the tickets! It's a settled matter!
Cultural Background
The phrase has deep roots in the importance of salt as a commodity in maritime nations like Portugal. It suggests that once a resource is consumed, the transaction is irreversible. It reflects the Portuguese pragmatic approach to fate and finality.
The 'No Regrets' Vibe
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've moved on. It shows you aren't dwelling on the past.
Don't confuse with 'Pão Comido'
While 'pão comido' (eaten bread) sounds similar, it usually means something was very easy to achieve, not necessarily final.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a situation that is completely settled and final.
- Used when a decision is irreversible or a deal is closed.
- Equivalent to 'a done deal' or 'water under the bridge'.
What It Means
Ser sal comido is a classic Portuguese expression for a finished business. Imagine you are sitting at a table. The salt has already been consumed. You can't put it back in the shaker, right? That is exactly what this means. It refers to a situation that is completely resolved. There is no room for debate or change. It is a settled matter. You use it when a decision is final. It feels heavy but also provides a sense of closure.
How To Use It
You use it as a predicate. You can say Isso é sal comido. It works perfectly when someone tries to argue a point. You stop them by saying the matter is already 'eaten salt'. It is very common in business and personal negotiations. Use it to show you are firm. It implies that the time for talking is over. The action has already happened or been decided.
When To Use It
Use it when a contract is signed. Use it when a breakup is final. It is great for texting a friend about a plan. If the tickets are bought, it is sal comido. In a meeting, use it to move to the next topic. It signals that the current point is no longer up for discussion. It saves time and energy in conversations.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are still uncertain. If you are still weighing options, this phrase is wrong. Avoid using it in very sensitive emotional tragedies. It might sound a bit too cold or dismissive. Don't use it for food unless you literally mean the salt is gone. That would be a very confusing dinner conversation! Stick to abstract situations and finalized plans.
Cultural Background
This expression likely comes from old trade or preservation traditions. Salt was once a valuable currency and a preservative. Once the salt was used or 'eaten' by the process, it was gone. In Portuguese culture, being direct about finality is valued. It reflects a pragmatic, 'no-nonsense' attitude toward life. It is particularly popular in Portugal, though understood elsewhere. It carries a weight of historical certainty.
Common Variations
You might hear está comido o sal. Sometimes people just say é favas contadas for a similar meaning. However, sal comido feels more definitive and 'salty'. In some regions, people might just say está feito. But sal comido adds a bit of traditional flair. It makes you sound like a local who knows the old ways.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal idiom. It is perfect for workplace banter or discussing life events with friends, but avoid it in highly formal legal documents.
The 'No Regrets' Vibe
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you've moved on. It shows you aren't dwelling on the past.
Don't confuse with 'Pão Comido'
While 'pão comido' (eaten bread) sounds similar, it usually means something was very easy to achieve, not necessarily final.
Regional Flavor
In Portugal, this is very common. In Brazil, you might hear 'águas passadas' more often, but they will still understand the logic of the salt!
Examples
6O contrato já foi assinado, agora é sal comido.
The contract has been signed; now it's a done deal.
Shows finality after a formal process.
Não vale a pena chorar, entre nós é sal comido.
It's not worth crying; between us, it's over and done.
Used to show emotional closure.
Já comprei os bilhetes! Sal comido!
I already bought the tickets! It's a settled matter!
Casual way to say something is confirmed.
Parem de discutir, a decisão do chefe é sal comido.
Stop arguing; the boss's decision is final.
Assertive use to stop debate.
Esqueceste-te de apostar? Agora é sal comido, o jogo acabou!
You forgot to bet? Now it's too late, the game is over!
Lighthearted way to point out a missed chance.
O relatório foi entregue ontem, isso já é sal comido.
The report was handed in yesterday; that's already settled.
Indicates a task is finished and off the plate.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to indicate the situation is finished.
O divórcio foi finalizado ontem, para ele agora é ___.
`Sal comido` is the only idiom here that means a matter is settled or final.
Complete the sentence to show the deal is closed.
Não há volta a dar, o negócio é ___.
This is the standard idiomatic expression for a 'done deal'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sal Comido'
Slang with close friends
Esquece isso, é sal comido!
Everyday conversation and office talk
O assunto é sal comido.
Serious business or legal contexts
A questão é considerada sal comido.
When to say 'Sal Comido'
Signed Contracts
The house is sold.
Final Decisions
The boss chose the candidate.
Past Events
The missed flight.
Confirmed Plans
Dinner reservations made.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesO divórcio foi finalizado ontem, para ele agora é ___.
`Sal comido` is the only idiom here that means a matter is settled or final.
Não há volta a dar, o negócio é ___.
This is the standard idiomatic expression for a 'done deal'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, very similar. It implies that something has happened and cannot be changed, like águas passadas não movem moinhos.
Absolutely! If you won a prize and the money is in the bank, you can say é sal comido.
Not necessarily, but it is very direct. Use é um assunto encerrado if you want to be more polite.
It literally means 'eaten salt'. It refers to salt that has already been used up.
It is more common in Portugal. Brazilians might prefer está no papo or já era.
No, it refers to situations or topics. You wouldn't call a person sal comido.
It sounds like 'sahl ko-mee-doo'. The 'l' in 'sal' is slightly velarized, like the 'l' in 'call'.
Usually, it stays singular because it refers to 'the matter' (o assunto). You would say Essas coisas são sal comido.
Only if they are 100% guaranteed. If a win is certain, you can say Isso já é sal comido.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say está tudo em aberto (everything is open).
Related Phrases
Favas contadas
Águas passadas
Assunto encerrado
Está no papo
Ponto final
