after us the deluge

Calque of French après nous le déluge.

after us the deluge

1. A nihilistic expression of indifference to whatever happens after one is gone.

   Synonym: after me the deluge

   • 1861, Christina Rossetti, A Royal Princess:

     ‘After us the deluge,’ was retorted with a laugh: / ‘If bread's the staff of life, they must walk without a staff.’ / ‘While I've a loaf they're welcome to my blessing and the chaff.’

   • [1952, Kurt Vonnegut, Player Piano, page 152:

     “How about, ‘After us the deluge,’” said Paul. “Hmm?” Doctor Pond tried to make sense of the quotation, seemingly decided that it was some archaic, pleasant sentiment for those who understood poetry, and smiled.]