the last straw
idiom/ðə lɑːst strɔː/
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The last straw is the final small problem in a series that finally makes a situation unbearable. It comes from the saying 'the straw that broke the camel's back' — on its own it seems minor, but added to everything else, it's the breaking point.
📖 Meanings
1the final problem that makes a situation unbearable
"He was always late, but missing the meeting was the last straw." — He was always late, but missing the meeting was the final breaking point.
2the event that finally exhausts your patience
"That rude comment was the last straw — she quit." — That rude comment was the breaking point — she quit.
🔄 Related phrases
💬 Common patterns
the last strawthat was the last strawthe final straw
❓ How do you describe the final event that exhausts your patience?