last full measure
A person's life, when lost through death in service to a nation or cause, particularly as a member of a military force in war or a semi-militarized organization such as a police force or civil defense corps, e.g. fire departments. May also be applied to some dangerous government and civil occupations such as espionage.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The soldiers gave their last full measure for their country.”
“The brave pilot gives her last full measure to protect the village.”
“Many young people give their last full measure for a cause they love.”
“The memorial honors the brave firefighters who gave their last full measure while saving others during the city fire.”
“The community built a statue to remember the police officer who gave his last full measure during the bank robbery last year.”
“Historians often write about the secret agents who gave their last full measure while working behind enemy lines during the war.”
“The general stood before the silent crowd and spoke of the young men who had given their last full measure in the defense of liberty.”
- 01
breathe one's last
To die.
- 02
cobbler, keep to your last
One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.
- 03
come full circle
To make a complete change or reform.
- 04
dead last
Finishing in last place in a competition or ranking, often by a considerable margin to the next to last place finisher or after an exceptionally poor showing or season.
- 05
draw one's last breath
To die.
- 06
every last
every; without exception (used for emphasis).
- 07
fall at the last hurdle
To fail near the end of an activity, a project, etc.
- 08
few cards shy of a full deck
Mentally deranged; demented; insane.
Last updated August 10, 2026