Meaning: The last of a series of mistakes or problems, from the saying “The straw that broke the camel’s back.” Also expressed as “the final straw.”

Examples:

When he said he didn’t do his homework for the third time this week, it was the last straw.

His not calling her for one week was the last straw, so they broke up.

He finally got fired after he came in to work three hours late. The boss said it was the final straw.

Pop Quiz:

If someone says to you, “This is the final straw,” what does she mean?

A.  You get one more chance.

B.  You get two more chances.

C.  You get no more chances.

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

The correct answer is C. The final, or last, straw means there will be no more mistakes or problems because you’ve already made so many and the person you’re speaking to you doesn’t want to deal with you anymore.