You can't put the genie back in the bottle
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
Once out, it's done, no undo.
Origin
From 20th-century America, tied to tales; 'genie out' for no back, slang by 1940s in a tale for out. A 1950s 'Time' uses it for a shift.
Usage Examples
- Said it; you can't put the genie back in the bottle.
- Can't put the genie back; done now.
- Genie out; no going back.
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