(おそ)かれ(はや)かれ

おそかれはやかれ
adverb, expression
sooner or later
time-general
1. sooner or later; eventually; inevitably
An expression meaning that something will happen eventually regardless of timing. Implies inevitability — whether it happens early or late, the outcome is certain.
(おそ)かれ(はや)かれ()かることだ。
It's something that will come to light sooner or later.
(おそ)かれ(はや)かれ、(かれ)真実(しんじつ)()だろう。
Sooner or later, he too will learn the truth.
This problem had to be dealt with sooner or later.

(おそ)かれ(はや)かれ is a set expression meaning "sooner or later" — something will inevitably happen regardless of timing.

Common patterns

Uses the classical concessive adjective form かれ. Literally: "be it late, be it early."

Usage

Typically placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence, followed by a statement about an inevitable outcome.

Similar pattern

(おお)かれ(すく)なかれ: more or less, to some degree (same classical かれ pattern)

Similar words