last thing: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘last thing’ mean?
The idiom "last thing" means the final action or event that occurs before a particular time or event. It emphasizes the timing or order in which something happens. It can also refer to the least important or least desirable action or event in a sequence.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "last word" refers to the final thing that is said or done in a discussion or argument. It implies the idea of having the ultimate say or control over a situation, often in a way that asserts authority or dominance.
The idiom "last trump" refers to a final and decisive event or action, often used in religious or biblical contexts. It suggests a significant and ultimate occurrence that marks the end of something.
The idiom "last thing one needs" refers to something that is not wanted or desired, an additional burden or problem that comes at an inconvenient time or adds more stress to an already difficult situation.
The idiom "last straw" refers to the final incident or event that causes someone to reach their limit or to have had enough. It is the tipping point after which a person can no longer tolerate a situation or behavior.
An idiom that means the final or last gathering or collection of something or someone, often used to express the end or conclusion of a particular event, activity, or period of time.
The idiom "last resort" refers to the final option or action taken when all others have failed or been exhausted.
The idiom "last resort" is a popular expression in English. It means the final option or ultimate course of action in a given situation. The term originated from the legal concept and has since expanded to encompass a broader meaning in everyday language.
The idiom "last nail in the coffin" refers to a final event or action that ensures the failure or death of something or someone.
The idiom "last minute" refers to the final moments before a deadline or event. It suggests that something is done or happens with very little time or notice remaining, often causing rushed or stressful situations.
The idiom "last hurrah" refers to a final attempt or effort, often undertaken just before the end of a person's career or a particular situation. It signifies a final moment of glory or excitement before things come to an end.
The idiom "last hurrah" refers to a final act or effort that is done with enthusiasm and energy before the end. It signifies a celebratory or spirited ending, and it has become widely used in American English.
Last-ditch is an adjective that describes a final, desperate attempt made in dire situations. It signifies the last available option or resource. The term has its roots in military tactics, specifically in reference to defensive strategies on the battlefield.
The Hidden Message
The idiom "last minute" is closely related to the expression "last thing." "Last minute" refers to something that is done or happens at the very end, just before a deadline or a significant change. It often implies a sense of urgency or importance, highlighting the need to complete a task promptly and without delay. When someone says they will do something "last minute," it means they will take care of it just before the deadline or at the final moment.
Similarly, the phrase "last thing one needs" is connected to the idiom "last thing." When someone says something is the "last thing they need," it means that it's the least desirable or necessary thing in a given situation. It conveys a sense of annoyance or frustration, indicating that the particular thing mentioned is unwelcome or burdensome. For example, if someone is already stressed and someone else asks them for a favor, they might say, "That's the last thing I need right now."
"at the last minute" is another phrase that is related to the idiom "last thing." It means doing something or making a decision at the final moment before a deadline or an event. It suggests that there was a delay or hesitation in taking action, and the task or decision was completed just in time. For instance, if someone finishes a project right before the deadline, they can say, "I managed to complete it at the last minute."
On the other hand, the phrase "dead last" is a separate idiom that conveys a different meaning. It is used to describe a person or team that finishes in the final position in a competition or race. When someone is "dead last," it means they came in last place, behind all the other competitors. It can be used literally in the context of a sports event, or figuratively to describe someone who is the worst or least successful in a particular area.
"first and last" is another idiom that is distinct from the expression "last thing." It refers to someone or something that is present or involved in the beginning and the end of a process, event, or situation. It represents completeness or full participation from start to finish. For example, if a person stays until the end of a party and helps with the cleanup, they can be described as the "first and last" person there, indicating that they were present throughout the entire event.
The idiom "last thing" has both a literal and idiomatic meaning. Literally, it refers to the final item or action in a sequence or series. Idiomatically, it emphasizes the importance or urgency of attending to something before a deadline or significant change. The related idioms "last minute," "last thing one needs," "at the last minute," "dead last," and "first and last" all have their distinct meanings and contexts. When using or understanding these expressions, it is essential to consider their idiomatic usage and the specific associations they carry in different situations.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *last thing* can be used in a sentence:
- She always checks her email last thing before going to bed.
- Make sure to turn off the lights last thing when leaving the room.
- The deadline for the project is tomorrow, so please submit your work last thing today.
An analysis of the usage of the idiom *last thing* indicates that it commonly refers to the last action or task to be completed before a particular moment or event. It suggests a sense of priority or importance in the order of actions. In the examples provided, the idiom is used to describe actions that occur at the end of a sequence or prior to a deadline. It can be used to emphasize the timing or significance of completing these tasks. The idiom tends to be used in contexts where a clear order or hierarchy of actions is implied, and the phrase itself often functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or verb phrase. "Last thing" can be interpreted as a flexible idiom, as it can apply to various situations where the timing or order of actions is relevant.
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