English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
That’s the way the cookie crumbles
Meaning
The idiom "that's the way the cookie crumbles" means that things happen as they are supposed to happen or as fate would have it. It suggests a sense of acceptance and resignation, indicating that there is no point in fighting against something that cannot be changed.
Usage
- When I heard the news, I sighed and said, "That's the way the cookie crumbles."
- After months of trying to save the relationship, my partner finally told me it was over. I replied, "Well, that's the way the cookie crumbles."
- The company went bankrupt, but I knew it was only a matter of time. That's the way the cookie crumbles in business.
- I didn't get the job I had been interviewing for, but I knew they were looking for someone else. It's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
- After years of trying to have a child, my wife and I finally welcomed a new addition to our family. I said, "It's about time. That's the way the cookie crumbles."
Roots and History
The idiom "that's the way the cookie crumbles" has been in use since at least the early 20th century. One of the earliest known uses was recorded in a book by American writer Eleanor Abbott in 1928, where she wrote, "That's the way the cookie crumbles." However, it is not clear where the idiom originated from.
Synonyms in English
- It's just what had to happen.
- That's how things go.
- That's life.
- Things happen for a reason.
- The universe has its ways.
Synonyms in other languages
- La vie est ainsi (French) - "That's how life is."
- So ist es (German) - "It's like that."
- C'est ce qu'il faut faire (French) - "That's just what had to be done."
- Cela ne peut pas se faire autrement (French) - "It can't be done any other way."
- Él mundo a suas maneiras (Portuguese) - "The world has its ways."