as a last resort

as a last resort — idiom

1. used when someone tries a particular course of action because every other possib

1.idiomB2
Definition

used when someone tries a particular course of action because every other possibility has been attempted without success or is simply not available

Example

Doctors tried medicine and therapy and, as a last resort, recommended surgery for Mrs. Chen's knee.

phrase at end of clause after listing earlier attempts

After his factory closed, Minho took a night cleaning job as a last resort.

as a last resort at end — describes reluctant fallback

Common collocations
  • as a last resort + [do something]
  • turn to [someone/something] as a last resort
  • keep [something] as a last resort
  • only as a last resort
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • as a first choice

    the opposite — something chosen willingly, not reluctantly

  • preferably

    adverb indicating a preferred option, not a fallback

Grammar Patterns

as a last resort + [main clause]

[main clause] + as a last resort

Usage Note

Frequently appears at the beginning of a clause (before the main action) or at the end (after stating what was tried). Often preceded by a list of earlier attempts to emphasise that no better option remained.

Common Mistakes

As a last resort, I took the bus because it was raining.
I took the bus because my car broke down and there were no taxis available, so I took it as a last resort.
The phrase implies all other options failed, not just mild inconvenience.

Etymology

FrenchEnglish

The phrase 'as a last resort' comes from the legal and military term 'last resort', meaning a final court of appeal or a final defensive position that could be turned to when all others had failed. By the 18th century the expression had broadened into everyday English to describe any final option taken when better choices have been exhausted.