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What does only to have mean in this sentence:

Iberville seized Fort Nelson in 1694, only to have the English recapture it in 1696.

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What an interesting question! According to the Free Dictionary:

only to (do something):

An expression used to highlight an upsetting, disappointing, or otherwise unpleasant action that occurred immediately after something else.

I worked on that proposal for over a month, only to find that they had awarded the contract to the firm across town.

It can be disheartening to spend a lot of time preparing a meal only to have your kids turn their nose up at it.

The fort was taken but then lost, which was a disappointment.

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