Last Straw

Pronunciation: /læst strɔː/

Definitions of last straw

noun the final irritation or problem that makes someone lose their patience or temper

Example Sentences

A1 The last straw for me was when my cat knocked over my favorite vase.

A2 Her constant lateness was the last straw for her boss, leading to her dismissal.

B1 The broken promises were the last straw in their already strained relationship.

B2 The company's decision to cut benefits was the last straw for many employees, leading to a mass exodus.

C1 The corruption scandal was the last straw that led to the president's impeachment.

C2 The team's loss in the championship game was the last straw for the coach, prompting him to resign.

Examples of last straw in a Sentence

formal The constant lateness of the employee was the last straw for the manager.

informal I can't believe she ate my leftovers again, that was the last straw!

slang When he cheated on her, that was the last straw in their relationship.

figurative The company's decision to cut benefits was the last straw for many employees.

Grammatical Forms of last straw

• plural: last straws
• comparative: laster straw
• superlative: lastest straw
• present tense: last straws
• future tense: will be the last straw
• perfect tense: has been the last straw
• continuous tense: is being the last straw
• singular: last straw
• positive degree: last straw
• infinitive: to be the last straw
• gerund: being the last straw
• participle: the last straw

Origin and Evolution of last straw

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'last straw' originated from an old proverb that dates back to ancient times.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the literal sense of a final straw added to a load that causes it to break, the phrase 'last straw' evolved to signify the final event or action that causes someone to lose patience or reach a breaking point.