"Wert done for" is a phrase which dates back to the Early Modern English period. The word "wert" (IPA: wɜːrt) is the second person singular form of the past tense of the verb "be" in the subjunctive mood. It was commonly used in the English language until the late 17th century. The phrase "done for" (IPA: dʌn fɔːr) means to be ruined or defeated. Together, "wert done for" suggests that someone is completely defeated or ruined, from which there is no return.
"Wert done for" is a colloquial phrase derived from the archaic English language style, specifically the subjunctive form. The term "wert" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in subjunctive mood, which was commonly used in Shakespearean literature. "Done" means completed or executed, while "for" implies that something has been spoiled, destroyed, or ruined in some way.
Therefore, the phrase "wert done for" is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something has suffered a terrible fate, often due to a specific action or circumstance. It suggests that there is no hope of recovery or redemption, and the individual or object in question is beyond repair or assistance.
This phrase is often used metaphorically in modern English language to express the magnitude of a failure, a loss, or a personal defeat, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of the outcome. It carries connotations of finality and hopelessness, indicating that the situation is irreversible and the repercussions are severe.
For example, if someone were to say, "He fell off the cliff, and that was it. He wert done for," it suggests that the person has met a tragic end and there was no chance of survival. It emphasizes the sense of doom and the absence of any possible resolution or escape from the dire consequences.