# last full measure

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/last-full-measure
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.