be the end of one

Idioms

Be one's downfall, as in His heavy drinking may well be the end of him, or That math assignment will be the end of me. This phrase originally alluded to something that would cause someone's death. Today, while it may be used seriously (as in the first example), it more often is used more lightly (as in the second).

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Carlson’s and Mr. Lemon's exits may be the end of one era in cable news.

From New York Times

Will Nevada be the end of one of the six main candidates?

From Seattle Times

This could be the end of one of the greatest stretches of quarterback play the NFL has seen.

From Washington Post

It will be the end of one era just as Rosen continues the early stages of what he hopes is a lengthy professional football career.

From Los Angeles Times

Some remain sceptical, given previous frequent rumours of closure that have come to nothing, but if Butyrka does close it will be the end of one of the most storied and feared prisons in the world.

From The Guardian

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023