on its last legs

IPA/ˌɒn ɪts lˈast lˈɛɡz/
IPA/ˌɔn ɪts lˈæst lˈɛɡz/

on its last legs — 慣用語

1. so worn out, damaged, or exhausted that it is close to stopping completely.

1.慣用語B2
釋義

快撐不住

狀況很差，快要停擺

so worn out, damaged, or exhausted that it is close to stopping completely.

例句

That old bus is on its last legs and stalls at every light.

那輛老公車快撐不住了，每到紅綠燈前就會熄火。

be on its last legs for failing equipment

One more leak showed that the school's roof was on its last legs.

又漏了一次水，大家就看得出學校屋頂快撐不住了。

used for something close to giving out

同義詞
  • worn out

    broader and less vivid; can describe something old without implying it will fail very soon

  • failing

    more neutral and often used in technical or business contexts

  • ready to give out

    close in meaning, especially for machines or a tired body

反義詞
  • going strong

    used when something is still working well with plenty of life left

  • serviceable

    more formal; still usable and in acceptable condition

文法句型

be on its last legs

be on her last legs

already on its last legs

用法筆記

Often used for machines, vehicles, buildings, businesses, or people who are almost too tired to continue. It suggests the end is very near, not just that something is old or weak.

常見錯誤

❌My laptop is in the last legs.
✅My laptop is on its last legs.
💡the fixed idiom uses 'on', not 'in'.
❌The shop is on its last leg.
✅The shop is on its last legs.
💡the expression normally stays in the plural form.