The phrase "was done for" is pronounced /wʌz dʌn fɔr/. The spelling of this phrase follows standard English spelling rules where "was" is the past tense of the verb "be", "done" is the past participle of the verb "do", and "for" means "as a consequence of". Together, the phrase means that someone or something has been ruined or destroyed due to a particular action or event. This phrase can be used to describe a range of situations where an outcome was unfavorable or negative.
The phrase "was done for" is an idiomatic expression that typically indicates a state of being in significant trouble, facing imminent defeat, or experiencing a dire situation from which there seems to be no hope of recovery. It conveys a sense of finality and inevitability, suggesting that an individual or situation has reached a point of no return, often due to some negative or catastrophic event.
In a literal sense, "was done for" implies that something or someone has been ruined, destroyed, or severely damaged beyond repair. It can refer to the physical destruction of an object or to the irreversible consequences of someone's actions. However, the phrase is more commonly used in a figurative manner to describe emotional or psychological ruin, overwhelming defeat, or disastrous consequences in a non-physical sense.
When a person or entity is described as "done for," it suggests that they are in a state of despair, facing severe consequences, or facing an insurmountable challenge. It implies a sense of hopelessness and indicates that any attempt to salvage the situation would be futile. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, emphasizing a point of resignation and acceptance that the situation cannot be improved. In essence, being "done for" signifies being on the verge of complete and irreversible ruin or defeat.