resort
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.
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.
See also: 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.
2. As the most drastic possible action. Many fear that, in the last resort, a preemptive nuclear strike could be authorized.
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.
See also: resort
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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.
See also: resort
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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.
in the last resort
FORMALCOMMON 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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
(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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
resort to
v.
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.
See also: resort
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- as a last resort
- cut class
- change (one's) ways
- change your ways
- cut school
- mend (one's) ways
- mend one's ways
- mend ways
- mend your ways
- day job