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To declare that something you heard, read, witnessed or experienced is the last straw is to declare that you have reached the limit of your patience and are now prepared to act in opposition to that which was heard, read, witnessed or experienced. I assume it is a reference to the straw that broke the camel's back. Since every animal has a limit to how much weight it can bear on its back before its back breaks, it follows that there must be an individual piece of straw the weight of which is enough to put the load on camel's back past the breaking point.

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10y ago
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6mo ago

The idiom "the last straw" refers to the final event or action that brings about a response, usually negative, because it is the tipping point or the culmination of a series of frustrating or undesirable experiences. It is a metaphorical expression used to describe the moment when patience or tolerance is exhausted and a decision or action is taken as a result.

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Q: What does the last straw mean as an idiom?
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What is the origin of the phrase the last straw?

The phrase "the last straw" originates from the idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back," which refers to a seemingly minor or routine occurrence that triggers a disproportionate reaction due to the accumulation of previous stress. Just as a camel can carry a heavy load until one final straw causes it to collapse, this phrase describes a situation where a small event leads to a significant outcome.


What do you mean by idiom have the final word?

The idiom "have the final word" means to have the ultimate decision or authority on a matter, allowing someone to make the last and conclusive statement or judgment.


What does last staw mean?

It means the final trivial, thing that then causes serious consequences. It is a reference to a moral tale about someone who,straw by straw, loaded his camel. (In some cultures a donkey). A straw by itself is trivial in weight but if you keep adding them then the weight becomes significant. Finally the owner put on 'the last straw' and the camel fell down, its back broken from the weight of all the straws. This is the last straw or the straw that broke the camels back. In itself nothing but added to all the others was unbearable. Similar things can happen with machines or in relationships between people. Many things, by themselves unimportant, until you reach a stage where you have a breaking point.


Is down to the last wire an idiom?

No. Down to the last wire is no idiom I am aware of. It sounds like a mixed idiom. Down to the last man means you'll fight until all means of fighting have been lost. Down to the wire means the outcome won't be known until the last moment or things are going to be close at the finish line.


What does the idiom listen closely mean?

It's not an idiom. To listen closely means to pay attention and listen carefully.

Related questions

What does the idiom the last straw mean?

you had it with someone, you dont want to do something no more


What is the antonym for the idiom 'the icing on the cake?

The last straw, or the straw that broke the camel's back.


Is there another idiom for the last straw?

Yes, there is another idiom for 'the last straw'. You could use 'the straw that broke the camels' back'. It basically means that you are no longer willing to accept a certain situation and demand change.


Is there a last straw of dairy of a wimpy kid?

If you mean, Is there a diary of a wimpy kid called the last straw, then yes there is. Please give me a trust point!!


Is the saying the straw that broke the camels back an idiom or a metaphor?

a metaphor


What does the idiom at the last minute mean?

It's not really an idiom because you can figure out what it means. If something is done at the last minute, you have waited until it is almost too late to do it.


Are they going to have diary of a wimpykid last straw?

If you mean a movie then yes


What is the rebus puzzle straw straw straw straw straw straw straw?

it means: the last staw


How many pieces of straw does it take to complete a straw-thatched roof?

The last one.   The last piece of straw is what you need to complete the roof.


What does the idiom it came down to the wire and we almost missed your flight mean?

The idiom down to the wire means to the very last possible moment. Therefore, the entire phrase would stand to mean that "it went to the very last split second and we almost missed your flight, but made it."


Is diary of a wimpy kid the last straw number 3?

Yes. Last Straw is Number 3.


What are the ratings and certificates for The Last Straw - 1998?

The Last Straw - 1998 is rated/received certificates of: Australia:G