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Last Straw

What Does "Last Straw" Mean?

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"Last straw" is an English idiom. It means "the final problem or difficulty in a series, leading to a breaking point."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "last straw" used in a sentence:
  • His forgetting our anniversary was the last straw in our relationship.
  • The team's loss on home ground was the last straw for the fans.
  • I was patient with the delays, but the rude customer service was the last straw.
meaning for last straw

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Last Straw" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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