end game

or endgame

noun

1. Chess. the final stage of a game, usually following the exchange of queens and the serious reduction of forces.
2. the late or final stages of any activity:

   the end game of the negotiations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of end game¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

The final stage of some process, as in The book discussed the diplomatic end game resulting in the treaty . This term, dating from about 1880, comes from chess, where it denotes the stage of a game when most of the pieces have been removed from the board. In the mid-1900s it began to be transferred to other activities.

Example Sentences

Their inability to find the end game to back up promising performances and hard graft with results has become a worrying trend.

From BBC

Is their end game to try to damage the mental health of 19-, 20-year-old athletes?

From Los Angeles Times

For Gen Gabir, the end game was clear: “Sudan will conquer, and Sudan will be rebuilt.”

From BBC

United now lie in 12th in the Premier League having lost three of their first six games, the figures adding to the growing belief that the end game is looming into view for Ten Hag.

From BBC

Although the end game is the same — improving the world’s opinion of the U.S. and thus increasing its national security — the two approaches work together to achieve that goal, she said.

From Los Angeles Times