Problems & difficulty

The last straw

The final problem that makes a situation impossible to accept any longer.

Examples

  • The neighbours' party at 3 a.m. was the last straw – we called the landlord.
  • When the train was cancelled again, that was the last straw for me.

How to use it

Neutral. Often "that was the last straw". Also "the final straw".

Where it comes from

Shortened from the saying about the straw that broke the camel's back.