bitter end

[ bit-er end bit-er end ]

noun

1. the conclusion of a difficult or unpleasant situation; the last or furthest extremity:

   Despite the unpleasant scenes in the movie, she insisted on staying until the bitter end.

2. Nautical.
   1. the inboard end of an anchor chain or cable, secured in the chain locker of a vessel.
   2. the end of any chain or cable.

bitter end

noun

1. nautical the end of a line, chain, or cable, esp the end secured in the chain locker of a vessel
2. 1. until the finish of a task, job, or undertaking, however unpleasant or difficult
   2. until final defeat or death

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitter end¹

1620–30 in form bitters end; probably bitt + -er ¹( def ), later taken as bitter

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitter end¹

C19: in both senses perhaps from bitt

Idioms and Phrases

The last extremity; also, death or ruin. For example, I'm supporting the union's demands to the bitter end , or Even though they fight a lot, I'm sure Mom and Dad will stay together to the bitter end . The source of this term may have been nautical, a bitter being a turn of a cable around posts, or bitts , on a ship's deck, and the bitter end meaning “the part of the cable that stays inboard.” Thus, when a rope is paid out to the bitter end, no more remains. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

"I'm a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential."

From BBC

“I will kiss these guys’ feet to the bitter end, as long as they just stand, take up arms and protect my daughters,” Yalunka said.

From Seattle Times

Last week, one of the most innovative missions in space exploration came to a bitter end.

From Salon

Representative Chip Roy, Republican of Texas, who campaigned for Mr. DeSantis through the bitter end, was inching his way back into the fold on Tuesday night.

From New York Times

“I’m going to fight to the bitter end of this.”

From New York Times