end of the line

Idioms  

1. Also, end of the road. The conclusion or final outcome. For example, The editorial pointed out that it was the end of the line for the President; he'd never be reelected, or It was obviously the end of the road for this television series. This idiom alludes to the point where a road or line stops. [c. 1900]

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Example Sentences

“Hello?” a voice said on the other end of the line.

From Salon • Jun. 24, 2026

When it finally picked up, I was briefly horrified by what sounded like screaming on the other end of the line.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2026

“Travelers usually are at the end of the line to see any money,” said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson with Going, a travel-deals company.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

“You’d like to terminate a pregnancy?” the person on the other end of the line confirmed.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Joon stood tall and straight at one end of the line, her gaze intent on the sea, and Nat waited patiently beside her, a book clutched in her hands.

From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder