last thing

last thing

1. The final action one takes at a certain time. Checking the front door is the last thing I do before I leave the house—if I don't make sure the door is locked, I worry about it all day! The last thing my daughter and I do before bedtime is sing her favorite lullaby.
2. Something that one really does not want to do and would like to avoid (although it may not be possible). The last thing I want to do is move, but I might not have a choice considering how much the rent has increased.
See also: last, thing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

last thing

late in the evening, especially as a final act before going to bed.
See also: last, thing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

last ˈthing (at night)

immediately before going to bed or to sleep: They always had a cup of cocoa last thing at night. OPPOSITE: first thing (tomorrow, in the morning, etc.)
See also: last, thing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • on the knocker
  • be on the door
  • on the jar
  • door to door
  • door-to-door
  • from door to door
  • answer the door
  • darken door
  • darken someone's door
References in classic literature
But what is the fifth and last thing you need, in order to complete the magic charm?"
I recall one of the last things I said that night to Mrs.
Goddard's door, which I did the very last thing before I returned to dress, I was told that Miss Smith was not better, by no means better, rather worse.
"The last thing he ever said to me was, `Just always be waiting for me, and then some night you will hear me crowing.'"
The last thing to go was a tiny bundle of letters; innocent little scribblings that Desiree had sent to him during the days of their espousal.
Last thing ever I want to think of--hang it all!" And Tom flounced over, untucking and disarranging everything, in a manner frightful to behold.
Now I'll rest my works a little, and you start up yourn; just tell me EVERYTHING -- tell me all about 'm all every one of 'm; and how they are, and what they're doing, and what they told you to tell me; and every last thing you can think of."
One last thing I will tell you; one warning I will give you; all is discovered, and you are being hunted for your crimes; if you are still at large it is thanks to me; but I have done all that I mean to do; and from this time forth I would not raise one finger - not one finger - to save you from the gallows!
The very last thing I saw of them was this-- Sylvie was stooping down with her arms round Bruno's neck, and saying coaxingly in his ear, "Do you know, Bruno, I've quite forgotten that hard word.
"You know, when it comes to the point, your parents have always let you have your way ever since you were a little girl," he argued; and she had answered, with her clearest look: "Yes; and that's what makes it so hard to refuse the very last thing they'll ever ask of me as a little girl."
The bones of Dingaan as they lay in the cleft were the last things my eyes beheld, for after that I became blind, and saw the sun no more, nor any light--why I do not know, perhaps from too much weeping, my father.
Soon the crew came on board in twos and threes; the riggers bestirred themselves; the mates were actively engaged; and several of the shore people were busy in bringing various last things on board.
My mother pulled it up with impatience, and there lay before us, the last things in the chest, a bundle tied up in oilcloth, and looking like papers, and a canvas bag that gave forth, at a touch, the jingle of gold.
The last thing the region and the world needs is further military confrontations between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.'
The last thing our public services need are more cuts, the last thing our planet needs is more emissions and the last thing our society needs is more inequality."