the last straw
the final in a series of problems
TRANSLATION
the last straw = der Tropfen, der das Fass zum Überlaufen bringt
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Hezbollah’s recent kidnapping of Israeli soldiers appears to have been the LAST STRAW.
(The National Review, August 8, 2006)
(The National Review, August 8, 2006)
Did you
know?
the last straw
idiom
The last in a series of annoyances or disappointments that leads one to a final loss of patience, temper, trust, or hope.
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WORD ORIGIN:
The straw that broke the camel’s back is from an old Arab proverb referring to loading a camel beyond its ability to move. The idea is that one seemingly inconsequential act (one last piece of straw) can lead to a catastrophe (a broken back). Thus the last straw refers to the final in a series of problems or issues that lead to an unacceptable situation.
Another variation is “the straw that broke the donkey’s back”.
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IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS TODAY
say something like:
“Now my printer is not working properly. That is the last straw. I’m calling the head of the IT department!”
idiom
The last in a series of annoyances or disappointments that leads one to a final loss of patience, temper, trust, or hope.
---
WORD ORIGIN:
The straw that broke the camel’s back is from an old Arab proverb referring to loading a camel beyond its ability to move. The idea is that one seemingly inconsequential act (one last piece of straw) can lead to a catastrophe (a broken back). Thus the last straw refers to the final in a series of problems or issues that lead to an unacceptable situation.
Another variation is “the straw that broke the donkey’s back”.
---
IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS TODAY
say something like:
“Now my printer is not working properly. That is the last straw. I’m calling the head of the IT department!”
