Meaning
A final option to turn to when all other possibilities have been exhausted.
Primary Function
Indicating a final option
Communicative Purpose
To signal that no other alternatives remain and extreme action is being taken
Pattern
the last resort
Core Structure
the last resort
Função primária
Indicating a final option
Propósito comunicativo
To signal that no other alternatives remain and extreme action is being taken
Situações de gatilho
Crisis situations, failed negotiations, exhausted alternatives
Contextos
Medical decisions, legal proceedings, business strategy, emergency response
Padrão
the last resort
Estrutura central
the last resort
Slots de substituição
none
Colocados típicos
- as
- only
- use as
Substituições comuns
- a final resort
Erros comuns
*the last resource* (wrong word)
Similar / contraste
in the final analysis, last-ditch effort
Interferências
Not a holiday spot.
Família do chunk
- Finality idioms
Nuance
Serious, desperate, implies reluctance
Efeito pragmático
Conveys urgency and the gravity of the decision
Dica de memória
Last option on a list
Nota
This idiom is used to express a final option in serious or critical situations. It is often used in contexts where other options have been exhausted and only the most extreme measure remains.
Upgrade path
the ultimate recourse
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