a) it’s too late
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b) it’s already started
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c) it’s finished
Well done ! That’s the right answer.
Elvis has left the building means that the show is over and they have gone home. This was announced at the end of Elvis Presley’s concerts to encourage fans to accept that there would be no further encores and to go home. It is now used more widely to indicate that someone has made an exit or that something is complete.
French translation
c’est fini
How NOT to translate : *Elvis a quitté le bâtiment
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Examples in context
‘From the archive, 17 June 1972 : Elvis favourite to take Sinatra’s Vegas crown. Elvis Presley’s touring performances put him in contention to be the main act at Caesar’s Palace
We sing his new single, a melange of "I wish I was in Dixie" and "his truth is marching on" : the song has the tactical skill of a Presidential candidate. Darkness. Then Elvis is revealed in a yellow spot, head hung down. He holds his cloak out as if Superman infected with egomania ; turns and bows left, right, centre. And runs backstage followed by bodyguards. It’s 10.19 and his performance of 51 minutes has been immaculate. The MC announces : "Elvis has left the building. Thank you, and goodnight”.’
The Guardian News, 17 June 2014
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‘Elvis has left the building : Costello to launch solo tour June 9
Everyone needs a little “me time” now and then – even British performers that are married to stellar jazz pianists. Celebrated rocker Elvis Costello kicks off his annual headlining tour sans band on June 9 in St. Paul, Minn. For the last few years the artist has regaled the loyal masses in select areas of the U.S. with the abbreviated tours.’
Axs Website, 7 June 2014
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Everyday usage
A message to all Claramedians and T-Learners. I would like to say thank you for your participation and kind welcomes over the last year, it has made my year very special. Now it’s time to go back to England. Elvis (or Charlotte) has left the building.
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