LAST STRAW Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "last straw" refers to the final event, action, or circumstance that exceeds one's tolerance and becomes the ultimate tipping point or breaking point. It is a point at which a person can no longer endure or tolerate a particular situation, and any additional stress or burden becomes too much to bear. Similar to the saying "the final nail in the coffin," the "last straw" symbolizes the final incident or problem that causes someone to reach their limit or make a crucial decision.
The phrase is believed to originate from the idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back," which suggests that adding one more straw to a camel's burdened load would cause it to collapse. In the same vein, the "last straw" refers to the moment when a person's patience, endurance, or resilience is completely depleted, leading to a significant reaction or consequence.
Typically used in expressions such as "that was the last straw" or "it was the final straw," this phrase indicates an identifiable event or circumstance that triggers a noteworthy response, such as terminating a relationship, quitting a job, or taking action against an ongoing issue. The "last straw" represents the culmination of a series of negative events or a persistent problem that has gradually eroded a person's ability to bear the situation any longer.
Common Misspellings for LAST STRAW
- kast straw
- past straw
- oast straw
- lzst straw
- lsst straw
- lwst straw
- lqst straw
- laat straw
- lazt straw
- laxt straw
- ladt straw
- laet straw
- lawt straw
- lasr straw
- lasf straw
- lasg straw
- lasy straw
- las6 straw
- las5 straw
- laststraw
Etymology of LAST STRAW
The phrase "last straw" is derived from an old English proverb, specifically dating back to the early 16th century. It was used in the form of "the last straw breaks the camel's back". This proverbial expression refers to a single, minor event or annoyance that, when added to a series of other problems or stressors, becomes the final and decisive trigger for someone's patience or endurance to collapse. The straw in this saying represents the smallest and least significant thing that, when piled up, causes an overwhelming burden or cause for action. The phrase continues to be used metaphorically to describe a final, intolerable event or action that leads to a drastic consequence or decision.
Idioms with the word LAST STRAW
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the last straw
The idiom "the last straw" refers to a situation or event that finally becomes unbearable or intolerable, causing someone to reach the tipping point and react strongly or make a significant decision. It implies that there have been several cumulative stressors or frustrations leading up to this breaking point, and the final issue or incident is the one that pushes them over the edge.
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be the last straw
The idiom "be the last straw" refers to a particular event, action, or circumstance that becomes the final and decisive factor that causes someone to reach their limit, making them lose patience, or accept no more. It implies a situation or occurrence that pushes someone beyond their tolerance or breaking point.
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It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back
The idiom "It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back" means that a seemingly small or insignificant event, action, or burden becomes too much for someone to bear, causing them to reach a breaking point or to no longer tolerate a situation. It refers to the idea that the accumulation of various burdens eventually becomes overwhelming, and it only takes one final straw to cause a major collapse or reaction.
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last straw
The idiom "last straw" refers to a situation or event that is the final and ultimate annoyance or difficulty that causes someone to lose patience or tolerance.
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last straw, the
The idiom "last straw, the" refers to the final small thing that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable, leading to a breaking point or a decisive action.
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the final/last straw
The final straw refers to the last in a series of irritating or unfortunate events that makes someone feel that they can no longer endure or tolerate a situation. It is the tipping point that causes someone to react strongly or decisively to what they perceive as unbearable circumstances.
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the straw that breaks the camel's back, at the final/last straw
The idiom "the straw that breaks the camel's back, at the final/last straw" refers to a small, seemingly insignificant event or action that causes a situation to become unbearable or leads to a complete breakdown or failure. It is used to describe the final incident or event that finally causes someone to reach their breaking point.
Similar spelling words for LAST STRAW
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