the straw that breaks the donkey's back
the straw that breaks the donkey's back
A 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. (A less common variant of "the straw that breaks the camel's back.") I'm already fed up with your lazy, selfish behavior, Jim, but if you can't be bothered to come with me to my own mother's funeral, that will be the straw that breaks the donkey's back! With governmental resources already strained to the breaking point, any sort of environmental disaster would be the straw that breaks the donkey's back.
See also: back, break, straw, that
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- the straw that breaks the camel'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)