broke the camel’s back
Meaning
The final small burden or problem that makes a situation unbearable and causes someone to give up or react strongly.
Origin
From the proverb “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” based on the idea that adding one small extra load can finally collapse an already overburdened camel.
Notes
Implies a buildup of problems; the last issue may be minor but triggers the collapse/reaction. Most common as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Examples
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After months of unpaid overtime, being asked to work through the holiday was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and she quit.
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He tolerated the noise for weeks, but the party at 3 a.m. was what broke the camel’s back.
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The team had made mistakes before, but losing the client’s data finally broke the camel’s back for management.
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I could handle the long commute and the low pay, but the sudden schedule change broke the camel’s back.
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They had been trying to stay polite, yet his sarcastic comment at the meeting broke the camel’s back and the argument started.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as part of the fixed phrase “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” You can also say “X was the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Often refers to a past event; “break/broke” inflects normally.
Synonyms
- the last straw
- the tipping point
- the final nail in the coffin
- the breaking point
Antonyms
- the last straw avoided
- a minor setback
- no big deal