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tether

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the end of (one's) tether

A point of utter exhaustion or exasperation; a point or state at which one has no more patience, endurance, or energy left. Joshua started throwing a tantrum this afternoon, and with all the other things I have to get done, I've just reached the end of my tether! Daniel's been at the end of his tether for weeks now—he has seriously got to get a different job!

See also: end, of, tether

at the end of (one's) tether

Completely worn out, exasperated, or exhausted; having no more patience, endurance, or energy left. Joshua started throwing a tantrum this afternoon, and with all the other things I have to get done, I'm at the end of my tether! Daniel's been at the end of his tether for weeks now—he has seriously got to get a different job!

See also: end, of, tether

at the end of one's rope

 and at the end of one's tether

Fig. at the limits of one's endurance. I'm at the end of my rope! I just can't go on this way! These kids are driving me out of my mind. I'm at the end of my tether.

See also: end, of, rope

be at the end of your tether

  (British, American & Australian) also be at the end of your rope (American)

to be so tired, worried, or annoyed by something that you feel unable to deal with it any more

Usage notes: An animal which is tied up by a rope cannot reach the grass which is further away than the end of the rope and becomes hungry and unhappy.

After a day with four screaming kids I'm at the end of my tether. He's out of work, hanging around the house all day and at the end of his rope. (British, American & Australian)

See also: end, of, tether

end of one's rope, at the

Also, at the end of one's tether. At the limits of one's resources, abilities, endurance, or patience. For example, If that loan doesn't come through, we'll be at the end of our rope, or The workmen are driving me crazy; I'm at the end of my tether. This expression alludes to a tied-up animal that can graze only as far as the rope (or tether) permits. [Late 1600s]

See also: end, of

at the end of (one's) rope

/tether

Out of energy or patience; exhausted or exasperated.

See also: end, of, rope