Be at the end of your tether
phrase
To be very upset, nervous or annoyed because of problems or difficulties you have been dealing with for a long time.
After two months of dealing with these unruly kids, the teacher felt she was at the end of her tether.
Often appears as...
- feel at the end of your tether
- reach the end of your tether
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To be very upset, nervous or annoyed because of problems or difficulties you have been dealing with for a long time.
After two months of dealing with these unruly kids, the teacher felt she was at the end of her tether.
Often appears as...
- feel at the end of your tether
- reach the end of your tether
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase is used to express a strong feeling of frustration or exhaustion.
I've been trying to fix this error for hours; I'm at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase isn't about actual ropes or tethers but feeling restricted or out of options.
With all these debts piling up, I'm at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 3/3Overwhelmed
Use it when someone can't cope with difficulties anymore.
If the baby doesn't stop crying, I'll be at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase is used to express a strong feeling of frustration or exhaustion.
I've been trying to fix this error for hours; I'm at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase isn't about actual ropes or tethers but feeling restricted or out of options.
With all these debts piling up, I'm at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 3/3Overwhelmed
Use it when someone can't cope with difficulties anymore.
If the baby doesn't stop crying, I'll be at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase is used to express a strong feeling of frustration or exhaustion.
I've been trying to fix this error for hours; I'm at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase isn't about actual ropes or tethers but feeling restricted or out of options.
With all these debts piling up, I'm at the end of my tether.
Pro Tip 3/3Overwhelmed
Use it when someone can't cope with difficulties anymore.
If the baby doesn't stop crying, I'll be at the end of my tether.
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