a last stand
Meaning: A final, determined effort to resist, usually when defeat is likely.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The corner bookshop made a last stand against the online giants with poetry nights and free coffee.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A military term for a force fighting on to the end. It became famous in the United States through "Custer's Last Stand," the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Un baroud d'honneur — literally: A fight of honor
More idioms — Daily Life
- you could hear a pin drop — It was completely silent.
- just to be on the safe side — As an extra precaution, even if it is probably unnecessary.
- perfidious Albion — A mocking name for England or Britain as treacherous and untrustworthy.
- the be-all and end-all — The most important thing, or the only thing that matters.
- year in, year out — Continually, every year without change.
- sign one's own death warrant — To do something that will cause one's own ruin.
More English idioms
- the die is cast — A decision has been made and cannot be undone.
- sell one's soul to the devil — To give up one's principles in exchange for money, power or success.
- eat humble pie — To admit one was wrong and apologize humbly.
- child's play — Something very easy to do.
- at death's door — Very close to dying, or feeling extremely ill.
- play devil's advocate — To argue against something, not out of belief, but to test the argument.
From our false friends
- Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
- Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
- Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.