They fought to the bitter end to win the game.
bitter end
idiomThe end of a long and difficult process.
Origin
disputed originThe figurative usage is influenced by bitter (“unpleasant, arduous”). Indeed, the phrase has been reinterpreted by most today as bitter + end—compare bitter cold.
Even though the project was failing, the team worked to the bitter end to finish their tasks.
Despite the overwhelming odds against their cause, the soldiers remained at their posts, determined to resist until the bitter end.
- 01
arse end of nowhere
A very remote place.
- 02
big end of town
The top end of town.
- 03
business end
The part of an object (chiefly a tool or weapon) that is physically used for its operation, rather than some other part such as the part by which it is held.
- 04
come to a sticky end
To die unpleasantly due to one's actions.
- 05
come to an end
To stop; to cease; to no longer continue.
- 06
dead end
A street or path or tunnel that goes nowhere or is blocked on one end.
- 07
end in smoke
To be destroyed or ruined; to go up in smoke.
- 08
end in tears
To end badly.