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final
fall at the final hurdle
To fail to accomplish some task or goal at the very end of the attempt. Negotiations between the two warring countries fell at the final hurdle due to disagreements over cross-border taxation.
final cut
The completed and finalized edited version of a film, as authorized by its director and producer. We finished shooting last week, but it will likely be another several months before we're ready with the final cut.
final nail in the coffin
An event, decision, action, etc., that seals, confirms, or ultimately leads to the failure of a situation or event that has already begun to fail. The candidate's uncouth comments toward the lower class were the final nail in the coffin of an already foundering campaign.
the Final Solution
The Nazi program of annihilating all Jews in Europe during the reign of the Third Reich, an act of mass genocide that led to the murder of more than six million Jews. My great-grandfather was one of only a few Jews in his city to survive the Final Solution in Germany during World War II.
(one's) final resting place
The location where one's body is interred after death. After I die, I want my ashes to be buried with the seed of an oak, so that instead of a headstone, I might have a new, living tree mark my final resting place.
final hurrah
A last action before one ceases to do something. It's so good to see all of you at this meeting, my final hurrah before retirement. But this performance is your final hurrah before graduation—you have to do it!
another nail in the coffin
Another negative event or action that contributes to one's downfall or to something's failure. Aw man, our rival's new product just came out to rave reviews. There's another nail in the coffin. If my parents find out that I failed my exam, it will be another nail in the coffin, and they may never let me go out again!
final fling
Fig. the last act or period of enjoyment before a change in one's circumstances or lifestyle. You might as well have a final fling before the baby's born. Mary's going out with her girlfriends for a final fling. She's getting married next week.
in the final analysis
and in the last analysisin truth; when all the facts are known; when the truth becomes known. (Usually used when someone is speculating about what the final outcome will be.) In the final analysis, it is usually the children who suffer most in a situation like this. In the last analysis, you simply do not want to do as you are told!
*last word
and *final word; *final sayFig. the final point (in an argument); the final decision (in some matter). (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give some one ~.) The boss gets the last word in hiring. Why do you always have to have the final word in an argument?
one final word
and one final thingFig. a phrase introducing a parting comment or the last item in a list. John: One final word—keep your chin up. Mary: Good advice! And one final thing, don't haul around a lot of expensive camera stuff. It just tells the thieves who to rob.
in the final analysis
also in the last analysis when all the facts are considered In the final analysis, the failure of the rescue mission was the result of bad timing and bad weather.
Related vocabulary: at the end of the dayhave the final say
also have the last say to have the authority to make decisions Brown wanted to have the final say on the film's script, music, and costumes. In many families, the mother has the last say on the children's education and activities.
in the final analysis
something that you say when you are talking about what is most important or true in a situation In the final analysis, the only people who will benefit are property owners.
the final curtain
the end of something, usually something that has lasted for a long time As the final curtain fell on the longest match in tennis history, Agassi emerged victorious.
See another nail in the coffin, the final straw, have the final wordanother nail in the coffin
also the final nail in the coffin an event which causes the failure of something that had already started to fail (usually + of ) I think that argument was the final nail in the coffin of our friendship.
the final/last straw
the last in a series of unpleasant events which finally makes you feel that you cannot continue to accept a bad situation One night he came home drunk at 5 o'clock in the morning and that was the last straw. He'd been unhappy at work for a long time but the last straw came when he was refused promotion. (often + for ) Lucy leaving was the last straw for him and he pretty much gave up the will to live.
have the final/last word
1. to say the last statement in a discussion or argument Tim can't bear to lose an argument. He always has to have the last word.
2. to make the final decision about something (usually + on ) Our head chef has the final word on what is served each week.
in the final analysis
Also, in the last analysis. When all things are considered. For example, In the final analysis we must find ways to improve our sales, or I can, in the last analysis, talk only about my own work. This expression was at first put as in the ultimate analysis. [Late 1700s]
final
/last straw The final annoyance or setback, which even though minor makes one no longer able to endure something.