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The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back

What Does "The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back" Mean?

homeidiomsThe Straw That Broke the Camel's Back
"The straw that broke the camel's back" is an English idiom referring to the final small burden, problem, or annoyance that causes a situation or person to become overwhelmed or reach a breaking point.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back" used in a sentence:
  • The missed deadline was the straw that broke the camel's back, leading to the project's failure.
  • Their constant arguments were wearing thin, and the broken dish became the straw that broke the camel's back.
  • Years of financial struggles reached a tipping point, and the unexpected medical bill was the straw that broke the camel's back.
meaning for the straw that broke the camel's back

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 "The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back" 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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