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.

---

last straw British  

noun

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

---

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

Some stores even staged walkouts, citing the dress code change as the last straw in a slew of new policies Starbucks that employees say are stifling and damaging their ability to properly do their jobs.

From Salon

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

But pictures of Palestinian children in Gaza starving to death were the last straw after so much killing and devastation.

From BBC

She later shared her parting message to her mother with Ander, saying it was "the last straw. You hurt me every time I let you in and I never ever will again. I'm beyond hurt".

From BBC

For others in the electorate though, the last straw was watching Dutton fly to a fundraiser in Sydney as the area in and around Dickson was hit by Cyclone Alfred in February.

From BBC