final spoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "final spoke" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without context.
It could potentially be used in contexts related to discussions or decisions, indicating the last point made in a conversation or meeting. Example: "After much deliberation, the final spoke in our discussion was about the budget allocation for the upcoming project."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And earlier this year, the government's decision to ban FDI in tobacco may have been the final spoke in the wheel for BAT.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are workshops on civil rights and rehearsals of certain chants, like "We need a doctor!" And for the last two nights, there have been the final "spokes councils," at which representatives from dozens of organizations finalize plans for puppet performances, peaceful protests -- and mischief.

The New York Times

Finally Finlay spoke.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then the last panelist spoke.

The New York Times - Magazine

During the 1951 Wimmera Football League Grand Final, Whitfield was reported by Spokes for striking Graham, the player-coach of Minyip.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, I opened my mouth and spoke.

Huffington Post

Final preparations, though, were made the last two nights at the "spokes councils," which are attended by representatives from groups representing socialists, anarchists, environmentalists, and any other segment of society wishing to protest the World Economic Forum.

The New York Times

These fast, small jets may well open up point-to-point transportation to new segments of the population, allowing passengers to bypass the airlines' inconvenient hub-and-spoke system, delivering passengers to small airports closer to their final destinations.

Forbes

Traditional carriers operate hub-and-spoke networks where 60% of passengers hop on connecting flights to get to their final destinations.

Forbes

France, in contrast, have little chance of putting a spoke in the wheel of England's chariot when the sides meet at Twickenham on the final weekend of the tournament if they continue to play like this.

The Guardian - Sport

We then wove ribbon through the spoke holes (though you could also use sliced, discarded bike tubes), to provide structural support for the final phase of construction — the application of ripstop nylon, often used as parachute fabric.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "final spoke" when you want to emphasize the last and often critical element that completes a process or prevents a specific action. For clarity, provide context to ensure the reader understands the figurative use, particularly when referring to the 'spoke in the wheel' idiom.

Common error

Avoid using "final spoke" literally, as it can be confusing. The phrase is often part of the idiom "a spoke in the wheel", meaning something that obstructs or hinders. Ensure the intended meaning is clear, or consider using more direct language if literal interpretation is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "final spoke" functions as a noun phrase, often used as part of the idiom "a spoke in the wheel". Ludwig indicates it is used to describe a concluding factor or impediment. The phrase acts as an object or complement within a sentence, specifying the last element affecting a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "final spoke" is a relatively rare expression, primarily encountered within the idiom "a spoke in the wheel", which signifies an impediment. Ludwig's analysis of its limited usage reveals it is grammatically acceptable but uncommon. It serves to denote the concluding obstacle in a process, as noted by the single exact example from Forbes. Due to its potential for misinterpretation outside the idiomatic context, it should be used with care, with consideration given to more direct or common alternatives, as explained above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last detail

Focuses on the concluding element of a process or plan.

ultimate factor

Emphasizes the decisive element influencing an outcome.

key component

Highlights an essential part necessary for completion.

final touch

Refers to a finishing element that perfects something.

critical element

Underlines the necessity and importance of a specific part.

decisive factor

Highlights the element that ultimately determines the outcome.

culminating point

Emphasizes the final stage where everything comes together.

last piece of the puzzle

Indicates the final element needed to complete a larger picture.

final consideration

Refers to the last point to be thought about before a decision.

concluding remark

Focuses on the final statement in a discussion or presentation.

FAQs

What does "final spoke" mean?

The phrase "final spoke" is often used within the idiom "the final spoke in the wheel", meaning the last impediment or obstacle that prevents something from happening or completing. It refers to a decisive, often negative, factor.

How can I use "final spoke" in a sentence?

You can use "final spoke" to describe the last obstacle to success, for example: "The government's decision was the "final spoke" in the wheel, preventing the project from moving forward."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "final spoke"?

Alternatives to "final spoke" include "last straw", "ultimate factor", or "key component", depending on the intended meaning and context.

Is "final spoke" a common phrase?

The phrase "final spoke" is not very common on its own; it's more frequently found in the context of the idiom "a spoke in the wheel". Alternatives like "decisive factor" or "final touch" may be more readily understood.