last straw

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of last straw¹

First recorded in 1840–50; after the proverb “It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back”

Word History and Origins

Origin of last straw¹

from the proverb, "It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back"

Example Sentences

Mike Padgham, who chairs the Yorkshire-based Independent Care Group, said the NI rise could be the "last straw" for some providers in his area.

From BBC

At the time, Mr Musk called it "the last straw" in a post on X.

From BBC

"This is the last straw," he wrote on social media.

From BBC

The incident was the last straw for many neighbors, already fed up with drill-wielding outsiders peering into their windows searching for vacant homes.

From Los Angeles Times

For some Acton residents, any added fire risk from a battery storage facility would be the last straw.

From Los Angeles Times