取(と)り返(かえ)し

とりかえし
noun
recovery; undoing (mostly in {取|と}り{返|かえ}しがつかない)
abstract
1. recovery; undoing (mostly in {取|と}り{返|かえ}しがつかない)
Getting back what was lost or putting right what was done; nearly always in the negative 取(と)り返(かえ)しがつかない, 'irreversible, beyond repair'.
今(いま)ならまだ取(と)り返(かえ)しがつく。
It can still be put right now.
取(と)り返(かえ)しのつかないことをしてしまった。
I've done something that can't be undone.
小(ちい)さなミスでも、放(ほう)っておくと取(と)り返(かえ)しのつかない事態(じたい)になりかねない。
Even a small mistake, if left alone, can lead to an irreversible situation.

Common patterns

  • 取(と)り返(かえ)しがつかない: irreversible, beyond repair
  • 取(と)り返(かえ)しのつかない + noun: an irreparable (mistake, loss)
  • 取(と)り返(かえ)しがつく: can still be put right (mostly in contrast with the negative)

Related words

Related Words

Related: 取(と)り返(かえ)す (to get back, to recover)
Related: 後悔(こうかい)先(さき)に立(た)たず (regret always comes too late)
general
Added 2026.10.7 3:49 · Revised 2026.10.7 3:53
31500/31648_torikaeshi