The phrase "on one last leg" means that something is at the end of its life or usefulness. It is spelled using standard English orthography, but the pronunciation can be tricky for non-native speakers. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the word "one" is pronounced as /wʌn/, with a short "o" sound and a voiced "n" at the end. The word "last" is pronounced as /læst/, with a short "a" sound and a voiceless "s" at the end. Finally, the word "leg" is pronounced as /lɛɡ/, with a short "e" sound and a voiced "g" at the end.
"On one last leg" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe something or someone that is in a very weak, vulnerable, or precarious state. The phrase originated from the metaphor of a person or animal's leg being injured or exhausted to the point where it can no longer support their weight or function properly. It is often used figuratively to refer to a situation, relationship, object, or even a person's health that is near its breaking point or close to its end.
When something or someone is described as being on one last leg, it implies that they are barely holding on, and any further strain or pressure could lead to their complete collapse or failure. This phrase is commonly used to describe objects or appliances that are nearing their final stages of usability, such as a car that constantly breaks down or a computer that crashes frequently.
Furthermore, "on one last leg" can be used to reference a person's health or physical condition when they are experiencing extreme fatigue or illness. It indicates that their body is worn out and they are running out of energy or strength to keep going.
In summary, "on one last leg" is a phrase that portrays a state of extreme weakness, vulnerability, or decline. It emphasizes the precariousness and imminent failure of something or someone, often suggesting that they are reaching their breaking point or nearing the end of their existence or functionality.