What does “Straw that broke the camel's back” mean?
"Straw that broke the camel's back" means the final event or action that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After months of late nights and missed deadlines, the last missed deadline was the straw that broke the camel's back and led to his termination.
Example
Their constant arguing was already putting a strain on their relationship, but the straw that broke the camel's back was when he lied about his whereabouts.
Example
The company had been struggling financially for years, but the straw that broke the camel's back was when their biggest client decided to take their business elsewhere
Is “Straw that broke the camel's back” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Straw that broke the camel's back” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Straw that broke the camel's back” effectively in context?
You can use "Straw that broke the camel's back" to describe the final event or action that pushes a situation from difficult to unbearable. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this expression:
- 1Work
After months of late nights and missed deadlines, the last missed deadline was the straw that broke the camel's back and led to his termination.
- 2Relationships
Their constant arguing was already putting a strain on their relationship, but the straw that broke the camel's back was when he lied about his whereabouts.
- 3Business
The company had been struggling financially for years, but the straw that broke the camel's back was when their biggest client decided to take their business elsewhere.
Similar phrases to “Straw that broke the camel's back”:
Last straw
The final event or action that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable
Example
After years of neglect, the broken dishwasher was the last straw for her patience.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Straw that broke the camel's back” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Straw that broke the camel's back" can be traced back to an Arabic proverb. The proverb tells the story of a camel that is loaded with straw until it can no longer bear the weight. The addition of just one more straw causes the camel's back to break, symbolizing the final event or action that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable.
Is “Straw that broke the camel's back” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Straw that broke the camel's back" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize the final event or action that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable.
What tone does “Straw that broke the camel's back” have?
"Straw that broke the camel's back" conveys a tone of frustration and exasperation. It is often used to express the tipping point or breaking point of a situation.
Can “Straw that broke the camel's back” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Straw that broke the camel's back" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that effectively conveys the idea of a final event or action that makes a situation unbearable. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The constant delays were frustrating, but the missed deadline was the "straw that broke the camel's back".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That's it, the "straw that broke the camel's back"!' to imply reaching a breaking point.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- tipping point
- last straw
- breaking point
- final nail in the coffin
- enough is enough
Antonyms
- bearable
- tolerable
- manageable
- beginning
- starting point
