last straw

American  

noun

1. the last of a succession of irritations, incidents, remarks, etc., that leads to a loss of patience, a disaster, etc..

   He has been late before, but this is the last straw.

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last straw British  

noun

1. the final irritation or problem that stretches one's endurance or patience beyond the limit

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Etymology

Origin of last straw

First recorded in 1840–50; after the proverb “It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

last straw

"This is the last straw," said Meghna Sen, a 17-year-old aspiring psychology student.

From Barron's ● May 17, 2026

“It could be a real easy excuse for us to say, ‘Alright, that’s finally the last straw that’s gonna keep us from doing this thing,’” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 14, 2026

For many The Sims fans, this is the last straw.

From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2025

Tran’s medical bills from an ongoing battle with diabetes and cataracts and the costs of the increased security measures were the last straw for the family and the market.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2025

As if this was the last straw Sam burst into tears.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien