〜が最後／たら最後

Meaning

This pattern expresses a hypothetical condition, meaning that once the preceding action is performed, a certain outcome will inevitably follow. The result in the latter part is something undesirable from the speaker's point of view.

Formation

Examples

1. あの子がオンラインゲームをはじめたら最後、明け方まてやり続けているよ。
   Once that kid starts playing online games, he'll keep going until dawn.

2. 怒らせたが最後、相手が泣くまで責め続けるんだから。
   Once you make him angry, he'll keep blaming you until you cry.

3. 親に見つかったが最後、きっとこのゲーム機は取り上げられてしまうだろう。
   Once my parents find out, this game console will surely be confiscated.

4. 今日を逃したら最後、次にこの流星群が観察できるのは数十年後かもしれない。
   If we miss today, the next chance to observe this meteor shower might not come for decades.

Summary

• 「〜が最後／たら最後」 means "once..., then it's all over"
• Attaches to Verb (た-form) + が or Verb (た-form) + ら