Be at the end of your tether

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "be at the end of your tether" - To be very upset, nervous or annoyed because of problems or difficulties you have been dealing with for a long time

Often appears as...

  • feel at the end of your tether
  • reach the end of your tether

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be at the end of your tether"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

The phrase is used to express a strong feeling of frustration or exhaustion.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
I've been trying to fix this error for hours; I'm at the end of my tether.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Meaning

The phrase isn't about actual ropes or tethers but feeling restricted or out of options.

Illustration for Figurative Meaning
With all these debts piling up, I'm at the end of my tether.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Overwhelmed

Use it when someone can't cope with difficulties anymore.

Illustration for Overwhelmed
If the baby doesn't stop crying, I'll be at the end of my tether.
Visual representation of the word "Be at the end of your tether"

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