a last throw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a last throw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a final attempt or effort to achieve something, often in a situation where success is uncertain. Example: "In a last throw to save the project, the team worked late into the night to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In a last throw of the dice last night in a match that the Dutch had to win by two clear goals, Van Marwijk finally heeded the cries to play a more attacking side, and picked both Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael van der Vaart, in place of Ibrahim Afellay and the more defensive Mark van Bommel.

Independent

Last week, the prime minister threatened a parliamentary vote of confidence in a last throw to rescue his government.

The Economist

A last throw of the dice?

Independent

This looks like a last throw of the dice.

The Economist

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that the rebels considered this latest offensive a last throw.

The Economist

It may represent a last throw of the dice to avert or delay catastrophic climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The chairman of Carnival, the world's mightiest vacation fleet, has raised the bid for Princess to 3.8 billion pounds ($5.4 billion)–a last-ditch throw of the dice to sink the British cruiser's proposed merger with Royal Caribbean.

Forbes

He added: "The chairman is a skilled negotiator and it is hard to tell if the news Galeries Lafayette is in exclusive talks with House of Fraser is a masterstroke or a desperate last throw of the dice, after all other solutions to the distressed balance sheet and shareholder base have failed".

Independent

What followed instead were a series of songs on a series of albums that contained not an ounce of Live Forever's single-minded and beautifully expressed message, with Oasis's final studio album, 2008's Dig Out Your Soul, a mediocre last throw from a band who knew the end was nigh.

The Guardian - Music

The Independent's relocation from Canary Wharf to the lower-cost environs of London's Kensington High Street (this in itself is a curious anomaly) is a bold, last throw move by Independent News and Media.

The Guardian

His critics and most newspapers portrayed it as a desperate last throw of the dice and an attempt to pack the cabinet with cronies.In fact, it was one of Mr Blair's better reshuffles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a last throw" when you want to emphasize the finality and perhaps the desperation of an action taken when other options have been exhausted. Ensure the context clearly indicates that this is indeed the ultimate attempt.

Common error

Avoid using "a last throw" when the situation isn't truly dire or when other options are still available. This phrase carries a strong sense of finality and should be reserved for moments where the stakes are high and the chance of success is slim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last throw" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sport

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last throw" is a common phrase used to describe a final, often desperate, attempt when all other options have been exhausted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news, sports, and business contexts. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations where the stakes are high. Alternatives such as "a final attempt" or "a last-ditch effort" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Be aware of not using this expression in a situation that is not perceived as critical as the overuse may sound exagerated. Understanding these subtleties will enhance your writing and ensure accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a final attempt

Focuses on the sequential aspect of being the ultimate try.

a last-ditch effort

Emphasizes the desperation and urgency of the attempt.

a final gambit

Highlights the risky and strategic nature of the final action.

a desperate measure

Underscores the high stakes and potential consequences.

the ultimate recourse

Suggests that all other options have been exhausted.

a last resort

Implies a situation of extreme necessity.

a Hail Mary

Conveys a low probability of success but high potential reward (often used in sports).

the final play

Relates to the concluding action in a game or competition.

a terminal move

Focuses on the definitive and conclusive nature of the action.

an eleventh-hour bid

Indicates that the action is taken very late in the process.

FAQs

How can I use "a last throw" in a sentence?

You can use "a last throw" to describe a final attempt to achieve something when other methods have failed. For example, "Hiring a consultant was "a last throw" to save the struggling company".

What are some alternatives to "a last throw"?

You can use alternatives like "a final attempt", "a last-ditch effort", or "a desperate measure" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the expression "a last throw"?

It's appropriate when describing a final, often desperate, action taken when all other options have been exhausted. This phrase implies a low probability of success but a willingness to try anything.

What does it mean to describe something as "a last throw of the dice"?

Describing something as "a last throw of the dice" means it's the final attempt, often with a high degree of risk and uncertainty, to achieve a desired outcome. It's similar to betting everything on a single roll of the dice.