| 释义 |
the straw that breaks the camel's back the straw that breaks the camel's backA seemingly small or inconsequential issue, problem, or burden that proves to be the final catalyst in causing an overworked or overburdened person, system, organization, etc., to fail, give up, or collapse. With governmental resources already strained to the breaking point, any sort of environmental disaster would be the straw that breaks the camel's back. I was already fed up with his laziness and insensitivity, but Jim's refusal to come with me to my own mother's funeral was the straw that breaks the camel's back. See also: back, break, straw, that the straw that broke the camel's backA seemingly small or inconsequential issue, problem, or burden that proved to be the final catalyst in causing an overworked or overburdened person, system, organization, etc., to fail, give up, or collapse. I was already fed up with my husband's lazy, selfish ways, but it was his refusal to get off the couch and come with me to my mother's funeral that was the straw that broke the camel's back! With governmental resources already strained to the breaking point, any sort of environmental disaster would likely be the straw that broke the camel's back. See also: back, broke, straw, that Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. the straw that breaks the camel's back If you say that something is the straw that breaks the camel's back, you mean it is the latest in a series of bad events, and it makes you unable to deal with a situation any longer. Last week, I broke my wrist skateboarding and that was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as my dad was concerned. He has ordered me to stay away from anything that could get me into an accident. Compare with the last straw. Note: The reference here is to an animal which is already carrying a great deal on its back and which collapses when one more thing is added. See also: back, break, straw, that Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. the straw that broke the camel's backThe final limit of capacity, including patience. An Arabian anecdote told of a camel whose owner loaded the beast of burden with as much straw as possible. Not satisfied with the staggering load he had put on the camel, the owner added just one last piece of straw. Even that one wisp was too much, and the animal collapsed with a broken back, leaving the owner with no way to take his goods to the market. The story is a parable for all the times you've been repeatedly irked until you can't take it anymore and you explode. See also: back, broke, straw, that Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price See also:- the straw that breaks the donkey's back
- the straw that broke the camel's back
- the straw that broke the donkey's back
- swamped
- play a small part (in something)
- small potatoes
- play a small role (in something)
- small beer
- meat puppet
- play a bit part (in something)
References in periodicals archive The straw that breaks the camel's back for many is the tax payment due to HMRC by January 31. You can't put your tax bill on plastic this year "There are numerous factors that influence chances for mood disorders, but having a diet high in sugary foods and drinks might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. There is increasing evidence for the physical damage sugar has on our health. SWEET TOOTH 'MAY WORSEN DEPRESSION' Macmillan chief executive Lynda Thomas said: "A cancer diagnosis can be the straw that breaks the camel's back. When you are diagnosed, the last thing you need to be worrying about is how to pay the bills and keep a roof over your head. AVERAGE BRITISH FAMILY 'CANNOT AFFORD CANCER' The overwhelming burden placed upon our National Health Services and all that is taken for granted in terms of schools and services will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. FC Osborne, by email Housing crisis will only get [...] I predict these new shared spaces may be the straw that breaks the camel's back, particularly if through-traffic doesn't decrease. Concerns over shared spaces; Letters And as the reality sinks in, so will the fury as payment demands for many will become the straw that breaks the camel's back. Time to pull plug on fees gravy train The duty is scheduled to suffer a further increase in April this year, and for a proportion of those surveyed the rise will be the straw that breaks the camel's back, with 27 percent of them saying that the cost of APD will affect their travel plans during the coming year. -Brits give thumbs down to Air Passenger Duty This is the straw that breaks the camel's back. I now want to go home. Greedy landlord driving me out of Dubai.. The straw that breaks the camel's back is always a surprise. Why the North doesn't change This pig-headed insistence on modernisation by Post Office management could be the straw that breaks the camel's back! VENT YOUR SPLEEN At a time when credit is being squeezed and banking facilities are a precious resource, late payment by customers can be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Payment code to help businesses "The scale of the increase was large enough to be the straw that breaks the camel's back and as a result I expect several lenders to increase the cost of at least some of their fixed-rate mortgages over the next few days." Fixed-rate mortgages 'to rise' "It really isableak outlook formany companies, and for some, this week could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Cost increases will be hard to bear - Chamber; In association with lloydstsb com/corporatemarkets BUSINESS COSTS The proposed massive increase in parking charges may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. To be frank, local residents have had enough. Letter: You say - Cruel parking 'joke' The extra expense involved in getting this last act of desperate men off the ground will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Pasty: New 'dream' league won't be a beauty |