at the end of the day

American  

[at thee end uhv thuh dey] / ˌæt ði ˈɛnd əv ðə ˈdeɪ /

idiom

1. after everything is considered or accounted for; ultimately.

   At the end of the day, we went for simpler printers that just do their job as soon as you click “print” on your device.

   “Yes, cost and convenience matter, but at the end of the day, it’s about the welfare of our children,” she said.

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Etymology

Origin of at the end of the day

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at the end of the day

And at the end of the day, as people who’ve served have told me, being in the military is a job.

From Slate ● Aug. 14, 2026

"A lot of people might say this about the referee, the judging, but at the end of the day I can only blame myself," he told BBC Sport.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

“There were three voters that favored a rate hike yesterday and, at the end of the day, Warsh is only one of 12 voters.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026

And at the end of the day that’s the true value.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

"I bet you need change. I've got a ton. You could have all my change. You know, as long as you pay it back at the end of the day."

From "The Lemonade War" by Jacqueline Davies

Related Words

• finally
• in the course of time
• one day
• someday
• sooner or later
• ultimately