final (redirected from finally)

*last word and *final word; *final say

Fig. the final point (in an argument); the final decision (in some matter). (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give some one ~.) The boss gets the last word in hiring. Why do you always have to have the final word in an argument?

See also: last, word

final fling

Fig. the last act or period of enjoyment before a change in one's circumstances or lifestyle. You might as well have a final fling before the baby's born. Mary's going out with her girlfriends for a final fling. She's getting married next week.

See also: fling

in the final analysis and in the last analysis

in truth; when all the facts are known; when the truth becomes known. (Usually used when someone is speculating about what the final outcome will be.) In the final analysis, it is usually the children who suffer most in a situation like this. In the last analysis, you simply do not want to do as you are told!

one final word and one final thing

Fig. a phrase introducing a parting comment or the last item in a list. John: One final word—keep your chin up. Mary: Good advice! And one final thing, don't haul around a lot of expensive camera stuff. It just tells the thieves who to rob.

See also: one, word

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another nail in the coffin  also the final nail in the coffin

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

See also: another, coffin, nail

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 (usually + on ) Our head chef has the final word on what is served each week.

See also: have, 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.

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 another nail in the coffin, the final straw, have the final word

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. (often + for ) Lucy leaving was the last straw for him and he pretty much gave up the will to live.

See also: straw

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have the final say also have the last 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: have, say

in the final analysis also in the last 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.

Related vocabulary: at the end of the day