last resort

Idioms and Phrases

A final expedient or recourse to achieve some end or settle a difficulty. For example, If you don't improve, we'll try this new medication as a last resort . This term originally referred to a court of law from which there was no appeal. [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

Three women said they had severe acne and the doctors tried birth control pills as a last resort.

From The Daily Beast

“The news media is—now more than ever before—the court of last resort,” continues Sussman.

From The Daily Beast

I am in favor of trying and trying the diplomatic route, which we seem to approach as a last resort, not a first one.

From The Daily Beast

Such a measure,” says the Russian president, “would certainly be the very last resort.

From The Daily Beast

The thought of pulling a gun and firing ceases to be the very last resort.

From The Daily Beast

Words and phrases from a foreign language should be used only as a last resort.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not difficult to push her to her last resort—namely, crying silently behind her apron.

From Project Gutenberg

We took from it a few cocoa-nuts, and, as our last resort, all took refuge in the boat.

From Project Gutenberg

Still, since I had come hither as a last resort, it would do no good for me to go back unsuccessful.

From Project Gutenberg

As a last resort he could blow out his brains and have it ended.

From Project Gutenberg