The expression “Cosa fatta capo ha” (literally “A thing done has a head”) is used to say that an action, once completed, can no longer be undone. Once a decision has been made and executed, one must accept the consequences because there is no turning back.
The Historical and Literary Origin
While famously cited by Dante Alighieri in the Inferno (Canto XXVIII), the phrase is linked to a real, bloody event in Florence in 1215. It is said to have been uttered by Mosca dei Lamberti to convince his allies to murder Buondelmonte de’ Buondelmonti. His logic was: “If we kill him, the matter is closed (it has a ‘head,’ an ending); there is no use talking about it further.” This very event triggered the centuries of bloody conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Modern Usage
Today, it is used in a far less dramatic context to say: “It’s a done deal; there’s no point in discussing it further or having regrets.” It is the ultimate full stop to any second-guessing.
