The idiom ‘the last/final straw' means ‘the last in a sequence of unpleasant or unacceptable things’. This video explains the meaning of the idiom 'the last straw' in English. We explain how to use it with some easy examples for Social and Business English.
You can use the idiom ‘the last straw' when something is deemed to be the last in a line of unacceptable incidences or, more specifically, the final acceptable or tolerable thing in a series of bad things (i.e. the thing that makes you realise you can’t handle any more). When someone has become stressed and tired of having to deal with a recurring issue, they will say it’s ‘the last straw’. Note that the variation ‘the final straw’ is used less than ‘the last straw’. This idiom is common in both social and professional environments.
Further Examples:
That’s the last straw! I don't want to be friends anymore.
I’ve had it with the disrespect he shows the team. This is the final straw. I’m going to management.