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

The MetroCard, a scuffed yellow rectangle that lived in wallets, coat pockets and the bottoms of tote bags for more than three decades, is officially reaching the end of the line.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

When asked who she was talking to on the other end of the line she said it was “the head of customs.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2025

"Hi, it's Liam Gallagher here, there's been a bit of an incident at Abbey Road," said the voice on the other end of the line.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2025

It is a route which has operated for more than 100 years, but for the UK's longest direct train service linking Aberdeen and Penzance it is finally the end of the line.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

George lets out a breath on the other end of the line.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers