the last straw
One indignity beyond
The last straw is the final problem or irritation that exhausts someone's patience, triggering a reaction that the accumulated grievances alone might not have caused.
From the proverb about the straw that broke the camel's back—one more burden, however small, added to an already excessive load.
The noise complaint was the last straw; she finally called her landlord.
Maximum allowed extent
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- snapSudden sharp sound
- collapseSudden structural failure
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
breaking point · crack · meltdown · overload · exhaustion · crisis · shatter · burnout
What initiates action
- precipitantCauses solid formation
- flashpointIgnition temperature threshold
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
tipping point · watershed · final push · decisive moment · culmination · climax · crossroads · dealbreaker
Measure of heaviness
- pressureForce upon contact
- strainExcessive stretching force
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- loadCarried weight or burden
accumulation · pile-up · onus · heaviness · overburden · toll · encumbrance · mounting
limit
Maximum allowed extent
overwhelm · breaking point · crack · meltdown · overload · exhaustion · crisis · shatter · burnout · fed up
trigger
What initiates action
- precipitantCauses solid formation
- flashpointIgnition temperature threshold
- sparkTiny fiery particle
turning point · tipping point · watershed · final push · decisive moment · culmination · climax · crossroads · dealbreaker · point of no return
weight
Measure of heaviness
load · accumulation · pile-up · onus · heaviness · overburden · toll · encumbrance · mounting · buildup
the last strawa small matter
Insignificant concern or detail
no big deal · water off a duck's back · par for the course · business as usual · a trifle
the last strawbreathing room
Space for relief
wiggle room · margin for error · room to spare · buffer zone · cushion