final straw

USAGE SUMMARY

"final straw" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means the last problem or grievance that finally causes someone to take action or to become angry. For example, "After months of putting up with his boss's mistreatment, getting laid off was the final straw that made him quit his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was the final straw.

Independent

Copperridge became the final straw.

The New York Times

That was the final straw.

The New York Times - Sports

The final straw.

The Guardian

The money was the final straw.

The New York Times

It is the final straw.

The Guardian

That is the final straw.

The Guardian

The sting was the final straw.

The Economist

This was probably the final straw".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For allies and adversaries alike, Palin is a final straw.

Huffington Post

His loss of appetite the final straw stung.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "final straw", ensure the context clearly establishes the preceding events or grievances that led to this culminating point. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "final straw" for minor inconveniences. The phrase carries a significant weight, implying a breaking point after a series of more serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "final straw" functions as a noun phrase identifying the last in a series of negative events that leads to a breaking point or a significant reaction. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "final straw" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe the ultimate event in a series that causes someone to lose patience or take action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to highlight the turning point in various situations, making it a versatile phrase for expressing culminating moments. Remember to use this phrase when you really mean a breaking point and also avoid using it for slight inconveniences. Some alternative phrases include "breaking point" and "the deciding factor". When writing, make sure the context makes clear that there were previous troubles that have led to this point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaking point

Emphasizes the point at which someone can no longer cope with a situation.

the last straw that broke the camel's back

A longer, more descriptive version of the idiom with the same meaning.

the last thing I could take

Focuses on personal tolerance and limits.

the deciding factor

Highlights the element that ultimately determined the outcome.

the turning point

Indicates a moment of significant change.

the final blow

Implies a conclusive action that ends a situation.

enough is enough

Expresses a limit being reached and a refusal to tolerate more.

the last drop

Illustrates a container overflowing, representing the limits of endurance.

tipping point

Similar to breaking point, indicating the moment of irreversible change.

the end of the line

Signifies the termination of patience or a relationship.

FAQs

What does "final straw" mean?

The "final straw" refers to the last in a line of troubles, irritations or problems that finally causes someone to lose their patience, or to take action.

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

You can use "final straw" in a sentence like: "After years of mistreatment, the unfair firing was the "final straw" that made him seek legal action."

What are some alternatives to "final straw"?

Some alternatives to "final straw" include "breaking point", "the "last straw that broke the camel's back"", or "the deciding factor".

Is "final straw" formal or informal?

"Final straw" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though its impact is best felt when describing a significant culmination of events.