one last gamble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one last gamble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a final attempt or risk taken in a situation, often with uncertain outcomes. Example: "After considering all options, he decided to take one last gamble and invest everything he had in the startup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Forty years on and Keith Rupert Murdoch has flown into London again, with one last gamble on his mind.

Huffington Post

On one "last gamble" in the Valley of the Kings, workers clearing rubble near a known tomb uncovered steps down to another and, as Carter wrote, "made a discovery that far exceeded our wildest dreams".

The New York Times - Books

Time for one last gamble.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The brutal truth is that we are still a grotesquely over-borrowed country, managing to splurge on one last consumer boom, one last wild gamble on ever-rising house prices before the reckoning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, he decided to take a last gamble on his talent.

The New York Times - Magazine

When you are gambling and you have one last card, you don't just quit.

The Guardian

If one of the tubes is yours, you have probably run out of options — except for the last gamble of a clinical trial.

The New Yorker

Ardennes 1944: Hitler's Last Gamble by Antony Beevor (Viking).

The Guardian - Books

I have stopped doing "one last thing".

The New York Times

Antony Beevor's most recent book, Ardennes 1944 – Hitler's Last Gamble, is published by Viking.

The Guardian - Arts

Also too much of a gamble for Zborowski: "The last gamble with Google is how the company helps you view Microsoft Office documents using their file viewers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one last gamble" to convey a sense of finality and high stakes. It's suitable when describing a situation where the outcome is uncertain and significant consequences are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "one last gamble" when describing routine or low-stakes situations. The phrase carries a sense of desperation or high risk that might be inappropriate for everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one last gamble" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a final, high-stakes attempt or risk taken when facing challenging circumstances. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic Sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one last gamble" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a final, high-stakes attempt, often driven by desperation or a lack of other options. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in written English. While most commonly found in news and media contexts, remember that its informal tone might not suit every situation. Consider alternatives like "final attempt" or "last resort" for more formal writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in low-stakes scenarios, as it carries a strong sense of finality and risk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one final shot

Highlights the opportunity for a final attempt.

final throw of the dice

Emphasizes the element of chance and unpredictability, like a literal dice throw.

final roll of the dice

Similar to 'final throw of the dice', but with slightly more emphasis on risk.

last-ditch effort

Highlights the desperation and urgency of the attempt.

the ultimate risk

Focuses on the high stakes involved in the final action.

last resort

Highlights that all other options have been exhausted.

Hail Mary pass

A desperate, long-shot attempt, often used in sports contexts but applicable elsewhere.

final play

Similar to 'Hail Mary pass', emphasizes the strategic aspect of a planned final action.

swan song

Refers to a final performance or act before retirement or closure, suggesting a planned end.

the bitter end

Emphasizes perseverance and determination until the very conclusion.

FAQs

How can "one last gamble" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "one last gamble" typically describes a final attempt to achieve a goal when the situation is dire or the stakes are high. For example: "Facing bankruptcy, he decided to take "one last gamble" and invest all his savings in a new venture."

What are some alternatives to "one last gamble"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "final throw of the dice", "last-ditch effort", or "final play" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "one last gamble" in formal writing?

While "one last gamble" is acceptable, consider alternatives like "final attempt" or "last resort" for a more formal tone, especially if the gamble refers to a strategic decision rather than a chance-based action.

What distinguishes "one last gamble" from "taking a chance"?

"Taking a chance" implies a general willingness to accept risk, while "one last gamble" suggests a specific, high-stakes decision made when other options are limited. The latter carries a greater sense of desperation or finality.