English · Emotions & Feelings
the last straw
/ðə lɑːst strɔː/
[/ðə lɑːst strɔː/]
final tolerable thing
Intermediatephrase
Definition
The final problem in a series that makes a situation unbearable.
Example
His constant lateness was annoying, but missing the client meeting was the last straw for the boss.
His constant lateness was annoying, but missing the client meeting was the last straw for the boss.
Etymology
From the proverb 'the straw that broke the camel's back', where one final load is too much.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for the final trigger that ends one's patience.