limit of patience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limit of patience" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase usually refers to the maximum degree of tolerance that one can endure before becoming angry or frustrated. For example, "She had reached the limit of her patience with her unruly children and needed a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In fact, we are far beyond the limits of patience".

The New York Times

According to Daut Xhemajli, president of the Municipal Council in Vitina, those incidents were just part of a catalog of problems that has pushed townspeople to their limits of patience.

The New York Times

It is an astonishingly unguarded play about the cruelties of love and the limits of patience, and the way child-parent relationships become inverted as old age creeps up and mugs us.

The Guardian

But this latest vote may be a sign that Europeans are reaching the limit of their patience.

The New York Times

Judge Sparks, a 72-year-old appointee of the first President Bush, was clearly pushed to the limit of his patience as the Texas case proceeded.

The New York Times

The Italian had said in October last year that he was "getting close to the limit" of his patience with the salary situation but he has not expressed any discontent since.

The Guardian - Sport

The 68-year-old Italian said in October he was "getting close to the limit" of his patience with the salary situation, but has not expressed any discontent since.

The Guardian - Sport

The former England manager has not received any money since June and said earlier this month he was "getting close to the limit"  of his patience.

BBC

Eventually, the Precursors reached the limit of their patience, and determined that to protect the Mantle, the Forerunners must be reserved for utter destruction.

Wikipedia

William J. Burns, Mr. Bush's new adviser, met with both Yasir Arafat and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as Mr. Sharon's office was issuing a statement saying Israel was "nearing the limits of its patience" with its five-day-old, self-imposed, limited cease-fire.

The New York Times

Grant did recognize the limits of northern patience.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "limit of patience" to convey a sense of reaching the maximum tolerable level of frustration or endurance in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "limit of patience" in situations where mild annoyance is present; reserve it for scenarios involving significant stress or prolonged aggravation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limit of patience" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the maximum degree of tolerance one can endure, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limit of patience" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe the point at which someone's tolerance is exhausted. Ludwig AI validates this, noting its capacity to convey the maximum degree of tolerance. While examples are currently unavailable to show frequency in different contexts, it is deemed suitable for neutral and formal registers. Related phrases, such as ""end of one's tether"" or ""breaking point"", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last straw

Refers to the final event that exceeds someone's ability to cope.

breaking point

Highlights the moment when someone can no longer endure a situation.

end of one's tether

Emphasizes a state of exhaustion and inability to cope further.

at wit's end

Describes a state of mental and emotional exhaustion.

enough is enough

Expresses a firm declaration that tolerance has ended.

tipping point

Indicates a critical juncture where a situation is about to change drastically.

brink of despair

Suggests reaching a point where hopelessness is imminent.

point of no return

Implies that further tolerance is impossible, and consequences will follow.

fag end

Describes the extreme end of patience

the bitter end

Highlights the extremely uncomfortable moment when the patience ends

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "limit of patience" in a sentence?

You can use "limit of patience" to describe a point where someone's ability to tolerate a situation is exhausted. For example, "After repeated delays, the customers reached the "limit of patience" and demanded a refund."

What are some alternatives to "limit of patience"?

Alternatives include "end of one's tether", "breaking point", or "last straw", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "the limit of my patience" or "the limits of my patience"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the "limit of my patience"" generally refers to a singular, defined point, while "the "limits of my patience"" suggests a broader range or boundary.

What does it mean when someone says they are 'nearing the limit of their patience'?

It means they are close to becoming extremely frustrated or angry and may soon react negatively. It's a warning that their tolerance is almost exhausted.