Verb たら最後 JLPT N1 Very formal / literary
〜tara saigo
Expresses that once a certain action happens, the situation changes irreversibly - usually in a negative way.
Formal, literary "once X happens, there's no going back (usually badly)" - near-synonym of n1-125's たが最後.
Formation
Verb-た form + ら最後
Explanation
The たら最後 grammar point indicates that once an action (in た-form) occurs, there is no going back and an unpleasant or unavoidable state follows. Often translated as 'once...then it's all over' or 'the moment...there’s no turning back.'
Example sentences
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Once you start this game, you completely lose track of time.
Kono gēmu o hajimetara saigo, jikan no tatsu no o wasurete shimaimasu.
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Once he starts drinking a beer, he can't stop.
Kare wa bīru o ippai nomihajimetara saigo, tomaranaku narimasu.
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Once I started reading this book, I ended up finishing it in one go.
Kono hon o yomihajimetara saigo, ikki ni dokuha shite shimaimashita.
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Once you make him angry, he won't forgive you so easily.
Kare o okorasetara saigo, nakanaka yurushite moraenai yo.