at the end of the day
Meaning: When everything is taken into account; in the end.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “At the end of the day, it's your decision.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The day's end as the moment for summing up. The phrase became very common in British speech from the late 20th century and is often listed as a cliché.
Equivalents in other languages
- Portuguese: ao fim e ao cabo — literally: at the end and at the tail
More idioms — Daily Life
- tough luck — Said when nothing can be done about a disappointment, often without much sympathy.
- cut to the chase — To get straight to the point.
- be lost for words — To be so surprised or moved that one cannot speak.
- know the score — To understand the real situation, including its less pleasant facts.
- go down the drain — To be wasted or lost, or to fail completely.
- of the old school — Holding traditional values or ways of doing things.
More English idioms
- cherry-pick — To choose only the best or most convenient items.
- keep one's eye on the ball — To stay focused on what matters.
- be cut out for something — To have the right qualities for something.
- go to bat for someone — To support or defend someone.
- pull the plug — To put a stop to something, especially by cutting off its support.
- clean house — To get rid of unwanted people or practices in an organization.
From our proverbs
- Grasp all, lose all. — Excessive greed causes you to forfeit everything you already possess through careless amb…
- March grass never did good. — Early spring growth lacks substance; premature gains wither when hardship returns.
- Great marks are soonest hit. — Ambitious targets attract the most attention and effort, making them easier to accomplish…