final

another nail in the coffin

an event which causes the failure of something that had already started to fail. I think that argument was the final nail in the coffin of our friendship. (usually + of)

See also: another, coffin, nail

the final curtain

the end of something, usually something that has lasted for a long time. As the final curtain fell on the longest match in tennis history, Agassi emerged victorious.

See also: curtain

the final/last straw

the last in a series of unpleasant events which finally makes you feel that you cannot continue to accept a bad situation. One night he came home drunk at 5 o'clock in the morning and that was the last straw. He'd been unhappy at work for a long time but the last straw came when he was refused promotion. Lucy leaving was the last straw for him and he pretty much gave up the will to live. (often + for)

See also: last, straw

have the final/last word

1. to say the last statement in a discussion or argument. Tim can't bear to lose an argument. He always has to have the last word.

2. to make the final decision about something. Our head chef has the final word on what is served each week. (usually + on)

See also: last, word

in the final analysis

something that you say when you are talking about what is most important or true in a situation. In the final analysis, the only people who will benefit are property owners.

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have the final say

to have the authority to make decisions. Brown wanted to have the final say on the film's script, music, and costumes. In many families, the mother has the last say on the children's education and activities.

See also: say

in the final analysis

when all the facts are considered. In the final analysis, the failure of the rescue mission was the result of bad timing and bad weather.

in the end

at the end of the day

when all is said and done