all over but the shouting
Outcome already determined
All over but the shouting describes a situation where the outcome is essentially decided, even if it hasn't been formally announced or concluded.
The phrase comes from contests where the winner is clear before the final whistle—nothing remains but the crowd's reaction: By the fourth quarter, it was all over but the shouting.
- inevitableCertain to occur
- writing on the wallObvious omen of trouble
- finishedBrought to an end
- idiomFixed phrase, opaque meaning
- conclusionEnd or deduction
achieved · phrase · expression · in the bag · signed sealed delivered · determined · fait accompli · beyond doubt · water under the bridge · settled · done and dusted · lamentation · last hurrah · foregone · jubilation · no turning back · saying · game over
all over but the shoutingtoo close to call
Undecidable by current count
up in the air · neck and neck · touch and go · hanging in the balance · down to the wire
all over but the shoutingin full swing
At peak activity
in progress · in the thick of it · early days · underway · ongoing
shouting, shouts, shouted, shouter, shouters, overalls, overtly