What does “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” mean?
"The last straw breaks the camel's back" means that a small burden added to an already heavy load can be the one that causes it to collapse.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After working long hours for weeks, the extra assignment was the last straw that broke the camel's back. I couldn't handle it anymore.
Example
They had been arguing for days, and when he insulted her mother, it was the last straw that broke the camel's back. She ended the relationship right then and there.
Example
The company had been struggling financially, and the loss of their biggest client was the last straw that broke the camel's back. They had to close down
Is “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The last straw breaks 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 “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” effectively in context?
You can use "The last straw breaks the camel's back" to describe a situation where a series of small problems or annoyances become too much to handle, and even a minor additional issue can cause a complete breakdown or failure. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Work
After dealing with constant overtime, unrealistic deadlines, and a difficult boss, the news of a pay cut was the last straw that broke the camel's back. She decided to quit her job and look for something less stressful.
- 2Relationships
They had been having arguments and disagreements for months, but when he forgot their anniversary, it was the last straw that broke the camel's back. She ended the relationship and moved on.
- 3Personal Life
He had been feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, and when his car broke down on the way to an important event, it was the last straw that broke the camel's back. He had a breakdown and realized he needed to make some changes in his life.
Similar phrases to “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.”:
A sudden collapse or failure due to accumulated stress or pressure
Example
After months of stress, she had a breakdown and took a leave of absence from work.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The last straw breaks the camel's back" can be traced back to an ancient fable attributed to Aesop. The fable tells the story of a camel that is loaded with straw until it collapses under the weight of a single additional straw. The moral of the fable is that even small burdens can become overwhelming when they accumulate.
Is “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "The last straw breaks the camel's back" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea that a situation becomes unbearable when a series of small problems or annoyances accumulate.
What tone does “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” have?
"The last straw breaks the camel's back" conveys a tone of frustration and exasperation. It's often used to describe a breaking point or a tipping point where someone can no longer tolerate a situation.
Can “The last straw breaks the camel’s back.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "The last straw breaks the camel's back" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It's a well-known proverb that conveys the idea of reaching a breaking point due to accumulated problems or stress. 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 writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After months of stress, the car breaking down was "the last 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 last straw"!' to imply reaching a breaking point.
