as a last resort

As a final option, usually when preferable ones have failed. We will only pursue suspension as a last resort, so please improve your behavior in class. For now, I'm praying that the weather improves. I'm only going to cancel my flight as a last resort. A: "Well, we could use this ladder as a last resort." B: "That rickety old thing doesn't look strong enough to support a butterfly!"

See also: last, resort

be (one's) last resort

To be the only remaining option that may help one or be of any use after all other options have been exhausted. I didn't really want to ask Mr. Stadler to write my college recommendation, but he's my last resort at this point. For now, I'm praying that the weather improves. Canceling my flight is really my last resort. A: "Well, it seems this ladder is our last resort." B: "That rickety old thing doesn't look strong enough to support a butterfly!"

See also: last, resort

court of last resort

The highest court of law in a given jurisdiction, one that assists in resolving legal disputes and case reviews in order to establish rules of law that cannot be appealed; a state or federal supreme court. The governor appointed her as the new chief justice of the state's court of last resort. The case has made its way through the appeals system and looks likely to end up in front of the court of last resort for a final, decisive ruling. That group has been fighting the issue for so long that I wonder if they'll even accept the decision of the court of last resort.

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!"

See also: last, resort

last resort

The only remaining option that may help one or be of any use after all other options have been exhausted. I didn't really want to ask Mr. Stadler to write my college recommendation, but he's my last resort at this point.

See also: last, resort

resort to (something)

To choose some choice or course of action that is less desirable or favorable than something else. This is meant to be an open, productive debate—let's not resort to name-calling and mud-slinging. We resorted to using an older, less reliable version of the software to finish the project. I'm confident we can find a solution to this issue without resorting to violence.

as a last resort

as the last choice; if everything else fails. Call me at home only as a last resort. As a last resort, the doctor will perform surgery.

See also: last, resort

resort to something

to turn to something that is not the first choice. I hope they don't resort to a lawsuit to accomplish their goals. She will resort to anything to get her way.

last resort

A final expedient or recourse to achieve some end or settle a difficulty. For example, If you don't improve, we'll try this new medication as a last resort. This term originally referred to a court of law from which there was no appeal. [Late 1600s]

See also: last, resort

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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.

See also: last, resort

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.

See also: last, resort

(as) a last reˈsort

a thing you decide to do when everything else has failed: Nobody wanted to lend me the money. As a last resort I asked my brother-in-law, and luckily he was able to help me.

See also: last, resort

resort to

To adopt some less desirable course of action due to difficult circumstances; have recourse to something: When the electricity went out, we resorted to heating water in the fireplace.