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

Mora said that, at the end of the day, some people even came to the orchard to pick up the fruit that had been tossed to the side.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2026

The listing agent notes that the property is particularly well-suited to those who work in high-pressure environments—and seek a sanctuary to return to at the end of the day.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

And at the end of the day, the Ministry of Defence may end up awarding the contract to a consortium made up of some - or conceivably all - of these firms.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

But at the end of the day, I think I’ve been a healthy rival.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

But at the end of the day, I’m always there to pick them up.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

Related Words

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