# the straw that broke the camel's back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-straw-that-broke-the-camels-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A small and seemingly insignificant addition to a burden that renders it too much to bear; the small thing which causes failure, or causes inability or unwillingness to endure any more of something.

## Examples

- The last delay was the straw that broke the camel's back.
- This loud noise is the straw that broke the camel's back.
- He had been unhappy at his job for months, but the extra weekend shift was the straw that broke the camel's back.
- My old car had many small leaks, but the broken heater was the straw that broke the camel's back, so I finally sold it.
- The couple argued about chores for years, and forgetting the grocery list was the straw that broke the camel's back for their relationship.
- While the team had endured several minor setbacks throughout the project, the sudden loss of funding proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

## Origin

Possibly from the proverb, recorded by Thomas Fuller in his Gnomologia (1732) as “Tis the last feather that breaks the horse's back.” This comes from an Arab proverb about loading up a camel beyond its capacity to move. (disputed)

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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.