in the last resort

1. Ultimately; regardless of what happens or is the case. Even when you are at your wits' end with your children, never forget to tell them that you love them in the last resort. It may feel like the politicians in Washington have all the control, but, in the last resort, the power to elect these officials is in our hands. I might not agree with you on everything, but in the last resort, I'll always support you.

2. As the most drastic possible action. Many fear that, in the last resort, a preemptive nuclear strike could be authorized. If everyone vehemently disagrees with your decision, they'll simply remove you from the board in the last resort. A: "I can't lie to Grandma!" B: "In the last resort, you'll have to!"

in the last resort

FORMAL

COMMON You use in the last resort when stating the most basic or important fact that will still be true in a situation whatever else happens. They would in the last resort support their friends whatever they did. He was aware that, in the last resort, their authority depended on the control they had over the King.

in the last resort

whatever else happens or is the case; ultimately.

1991 John Caldwell Oxford History of English Music In the last resort it was only Italian singers who could command the attention of the public in a large theatre.