at the end of the line

at the end of the line

1. At the physical end of a route of travel, usually a bus or train route. You'll need the most expensive ticket if you're getting off at the end of the line.
2. By extension, at the conclusion or final step of something. We're finally at the end of the line with this project—now, we just have to hand it in and pray for a good grade!
See also: end, line, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • end of the line
  • the end of the line
  • the end of the road/line
  • be the end of the road
  • anticipointment
  • get the short end
  • stick it out
  • stick it to the end
  • sign off
  • light at the end of the tunnel
References in classic literature
At the end of the line Tarzan could still hear the grumbling of the disgruntled priest.
The Return of Tarzan
With little ceremony Perry and I were chained at the end of the line, and without further ado the interrupted march was resumed.
At the Earths Core
Down at the end of the line towered the tall beggar-man, who must needs twang a bow-string with the best of them.
Robin Hood
It did not have rhyming words at the end of the lines.
English Literature For Boys And Girls
We need a toll free number to get help at the end of the line; to help save lives.
Sanam Saeed urges for a mental health helpline to be started in Pakistan
"We are at the end of the line in finding these back office savings.
Council tax could rise for the first time in four years for South Tyneside residents; Leader of South Tyneside Council says he cannot rule out a council tax rise after accepting a four year Government freeze deal
Tony Davies, from Wrexham, was aboard the 10.10am service from London Euston arriving at Chester's platform 1 which overran buffers at the end of the line and crashed into a wall.
MAN HURT IN TRAIN CRASH; Virgin service hits buffers
20, 2013 (BBC) A commuter train in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, has crashed at the end of the line, leaving at least 80 people injured.
Argentine train crashes into Buenos Aires Once station
Berni said it was too early to say why the train failed to stop, crashing through the bumper at the end of the line and ending up wedged between the floor and ceiling of the platform.
Argentine Commuter Train Slams into Station
FINALE In a shabby old armchair, he sits at the window Feeble and grey at the end of his time Life passed behind him, not much to commend him Just memories left at the end of the line.
Your Poem
He allegedly told police an accomplice placed him in the cargo bay of a bus running from Barcelona's Girona airport to the city, boarded the bus and then retrieved him at the end of the line. During the 60-mile ride, the man used a sharp object to pick locks or open zips to get into other people's luggage, police said.
Flexible thief; weird WORLD
The MET30+ Horizontal can be mounted on a conveyor to deliver a final check at the end of the line or wherever high sensitivity is required.
Metal detectors/checkweighers offer quality control/inspection capabilities
POLITICIANS are at the end of the line in choosing between devolved government or direct rule by British ministers, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said last night.
TIME TO DECIDE; ELECTION '07: 1 DAY TO GO Ahern: It's devolution or else.
the poor remain at the end of the line, at the bottom of priority lists, and cut out of budgets.
After the flood: in the aftermath of Katrina, can we finally begin the era of communal responsibility?