The phrase "on your last legs" means that someone is near the end of their life or is experiencing extreme exhaustion. The spelling of the word "legs" in this phrase is pronounced as /lɛɡz/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "e" is pronounced as a short vowel sound, while the "g" is pronounced as a soft "j" sound. This phrase originated in the late 18th century, possibly referencing an expression used in horse racing to describe a horse nearing the end of a race.
The phrase "on your last legs" is an idiom used to describe someone or something that is extremely tired, worn out, or near the point of complete exhaustion or failure. The expression is often used figuratively to convey the idea that a person or thing is reaching the end of its capability or lifespan.
When someone or something is described as being on their last legs, it suggests that they are barely able to function or continue any further. It implies that their physical or mental strength is on the brink of giving out, rendering them incapable of sustaining any additional effort or endurance. This state of fatigue or deterioration can be applied to various contexts, such as a tired person, an aging or ill individual, a piece of machinery, or even a failing relationship or situation.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the image of a being or creature whose legs are weakened or damaged, bringing them close to collapsing or being unable to support their own weight. Just like a person faltering on their final resources, it conveys the idea of impending and inevitable failure or exhaustion. Thus, when something is described as being on its last legs, it suggests that its decline is imminent, and there is very little hope or possibility of recovery or restoration.