Meanings
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.
How to pronounce "the straw that broke the camel's back":
AU
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.
Example Sentences
1
After working long hours for weeks, the final request from my boss to stay late was the straw that broke the camel's back.
2
Jane had been dealing with a series of minor issues with her car, but when the engine failed on her way to work, it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
3
John put up with his roommate's messy habits for months, but when he found dirty dishes in his own bed, it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
4
The store had been slowly raising their prices over time, but when they increased the cost of a product by 50%, it was the straw that broke the camel's back for many customers.
5
Despite numerous complaints about noise, the neighbors blasting music late at night was the straw that broke the camel's back for the entire neighborhood.
