event

the happy event (humorous)

the birth of a child. So when are they expecting the happy event?

See also: happy

It's easy to be wise after the event. (British, American & Australian, American)

something that you say which means that it is easy to understand what you could have done to prevent something bad from happening after it has happened. In retrospect I suppose we should have realised that she was in trouble and tried to help her but then I suppose it's easy to be wise after the event. People often tell me they'd never have taken out a loan if they'd thought about it more carefully - but it's easy to be smart after the fact.

See also: after, easy, it's, wise

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in any event

whatever happens. I hope to meet her this afternoon, but in any event I have to return home tomorrow.

Usage notes: the same meaning can also be expressed by at (the very) least, come hell or high water, come what may, and either way

one way or the other

See also: any

in the event of something

if something should happen. In the event of war, we have to be prepared to send in troops. Travel insurance protects you in the event that you have to cancel your trip.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form in the unlikely event if something should happen that you do not expect to happen: In the unlikely event of a fire, alarms will sound and you should exit immediately.

in case of something