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Free Spirit English / September 13, 2019

13. The Last Straw – Learn English Idioms with Videos

Over the winter holidays, I ate a lot of fattening comfort foods and I stopped going for a daily walk as the weather got too cold. But as I was getting ready for a party last night, I realized that many of my clothes didn’t fit properly anymore! When I couldn’t close the top button of my favorite jeans, I knew that was the last straw. This morning, I went straight to the nearest gym and signed up for kickboxing classes!

Watch today’s video to learn more about how this common idiom is used in practice.

Learn English - Everyday Idioms #13. The Last Straw

Transcript

The last straw? Like, the final one in the field? No! The last straw means the final action that causes you to react. Hmm, let’s look at a few examples to see how we can use this naturally:

  • This is the 10th time you’ve been late for work this month, Charlie! This is the last straw, I’m afraid. I’m sorry, but you’re fired!
  • I’ve worked every weekend this month, and now you want me to work on Christmas Day, too? That’s the last straw — I quit!
  • You’re drunk again, Billy! I’ve told you to stop a million times! I can’t live like this! It’s the last straw! I’m leaving you!

So there we have it. Now it’s over to you! Can you use a sentence using this phrase in the comments below?

Practice

Read the questions below, and try to respond using today’s idiom.

  • Have you ever decided to change a bad habit? What finally convinced you to change your ways?
  • Was there ever a time that you didn’t exercise for a long period of time? What made you decide to start again?
  • Did you ever lose your temper with a coworker or friend? What made you flip out?

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Filed Under: Everyday Idioms, Videos

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