after the fact

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˌɑːftə ðə ˈfækt/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌæftɚ ðə ˈfækt/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

after the fact

1. (law) After the occurrence of some action or event, such as a crime or the formation of a contract.
2. Too late; after something is finished or final.

   Synonym: post hoc

   You made the commitment, and you can't change the terms after the fact.

• accessory after the fact

• before the fact