end of the line

Idioms  

1. Also, end of the road. The conclusion or final outcome. For example, The editorial pointed out that it was the end of the line for the President; he'd never be reelected, or It was obviously the end of the road for this television series. This idiom alludes to the point where a road or line stops. [c. 1900]

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Example Sentences

“You’d like to terminate a pregnancy?” the person on the other end of the line confirmed.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

So when Swift takes a phone call in the documentary and says, "Baby", the whole theatre erupts - knowing through pop culture osmosis exactly who is on the other end of the line.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

It is a route which has operated for more than 100 years, but for the UK's longest direct train service linking Aberdeen and Penzance it is finally the end of the line.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

The end of the line for Superman was met with an outpouring of grief from adrenaline junkies.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2025

Voices murmured on the other end of the line.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover