Definition & Meaning of "the rest is history"

What is the origin of the idiom "the rest is history" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "the rest is history" is not clearly documented and likely originated from the narrative style of summarizing a well-known series of events, typically after describing an important or pivotal moment. The phrase implies that what happened next is so widely known or predictable that it doesn't need to be recounted in detail. It is used to succinctly conclude a story or explanation after describing a crucial event, indicating that the listener or reader already knows what happened next.