THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
The last straw
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
The final problem in a series of problems.
Usage note: keep in mind
The last straw is the final irritation or difficulty that makes someone stop tolerating a situation. Earlier problems matter to the meaning; the final event may be small by itself. Use the last straw for someone or simply that was the last straw.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- His rude comment was the last straw—I quit.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
His rude comment was ________—I quit.
Show the answer
The last straw — The final problem in a series of problems.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “The last straw” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
The final problem in a series of problems.
Compare: His rude comment was the last straw—I quit.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
More examples in context
- After three cancelled appointments, another unexplained delay was the last straw.
- The printer had failed all week; losing the final page was the last straw for me.
Check your understanding
Why can a small problem be called the last straw?
Check your answer
Because it follows several earlier problems and pushes someone beyond their limit. Its effect comes from the accumulated frustration.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where the last straw fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.