〜までだ／までのことだ: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (dictionary form)+までだ/までのことだ
• verb (ta-form)+までだ/までのことだ

How it is used

(1) After the dictionary form: 'then I'll simply A', resolve that there is no other way, often 「〜なら〜までだ」. (2) After the ta-form: 'I only did A', playing down one's action. 「までのことだ」 means the same.

Examples

1. 友達が欲しいなら人に親切にするまでだ。

   If you want friends, all you have to do is be kind to people.

2. 店が閉まっていたら、別の店を探すまでだ。

   If the shop's closed, we'll simply find another one.

3. たまたま知っていたから、教えたまでのことだ。

   I only told you because I happened to know.