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last straw
noun
: the last of a series (as of events or indignities) that brings one beyond the point of endurance
Examples of last straw in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean Murphy – The massive three-team deal that sent Murphy to the Braves in 2022 was the final last straw for many A’s fans after seeing Matt Olson, Matt Chapman and others shed for payroll reasons that spring.
—Laurence Miedema, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024
Steven Hoover, Margate Biden’s last straw The timing of President Biden’s case of Covid could not have been scripted better.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 July 2024
Some had long opposed rising authoritarianism, and the invasion was a last straw.
—Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2023
That was a breaking point last straw for Mack.
—CBS News, 27 Sep. 2022
See all Example Sentences for last straw
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'last straw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
from the fable of the last straw that broke the camel's back when added to its burden
First Known Use
1845, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near last straw
Cite this Entry
“Last straw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last%20straw. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
last straw
noun
: the last of a series (as of events or troubles) that causes one to give up or lose patience
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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