last straw

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.

last straw

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of last straw¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of last straw¹

from the proverb, "It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back"