# end of the line

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/end-of-the-line
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The final cessation or discontinuance of a process, institution, lineage, or person, especially one which has existed for a considerable period of time; death.

## Examples

- This old car is at the end of the line.
- After twenty years of declining sales, the company finally reached the end of the line and closed its doors.
- The aging monarch realized he had reached the end of the line, leaving his kingdom to face an uncertain future without his guidance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.