What is the word or phrase opposite in meaning to fait accompli. For your reference the meaning is given below. I would prefer a foreign word but any can do.

fait accompli
French fɛt akɔ̃pli/
a thing that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept it. "the results were presented to shareholders as a fait accompli"

I want the word to be used in a particular context for instance an event that many people are glad has happened, many wish a different event to replace it. Like an event in the past that has bittersweet memories associated with it.

closed as unclear what you're asking by Jasper, Brian Tompsett - 汤莱恩, FumbleFingers, StoneyB, tchrist Nov 9 '15 at 23:28


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    You need to tell us whether you want a non-decision or an adequately discussed decision or something else entirely. – StoneyB Nov 9 '15 at 19:17
  • I have edited the question and hope it helps – Waheed Khan Nov 9 '15 at 19:21
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    I don't really understand how what you want is an opposite to "fait accompli". A fait accompli is simply "something already done". What is the opposite of that? A thing that has not happened? A thing that has happened, but people don't have to accept? – stangdon Nov 9 '15 at 19:37
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    a disenchantment or one of its synonymns; a rude awakening, a letdown. – user20792 Nov 9 '15 at 20:04
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    I took that request to mean an English word borrowed from a foreign language that is still widely used in its indigenous language. – user20792 Nov 10 '15 at 0:10

If you mean "a way to say that something is not yet decided when those who will be affected by the decision hear about it":

It is "still on the table". The decision has not yet been made but the matter is being discussed and it is likely to be decided.

P.S. I don't understand what you mean by "bittersweet memories" in the context of fait accompli.

  • by bittersweet memories I mean for some people that consider the event bad has bitter memory of it while those that wanted that even to take place, for them it's good and sweet memory? – Waheed Khan Nov 10 '15 at 8:31
