on one's last legs
The idiom "on one's last legs" is often used to describe people, animals, or objects that are nearly worn out or close to failing.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Extremely tired or worn out, close to the point of collapse or failure.
Example
- After running the marathon, he was on his last legs and could barely stand.
- The old car is on its last legs; it might break down any day now.
B2General
(informal)Near the end of life or usefulness, almost no longer viable.
Example
- The company is on its last legs and may go bankrupt soon.
- Grandpa's old watch is on its last legs and needs to be replaced.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on one's last legs":
out at the heelsout on one's feeton one's legsbreathe one's lastdown at heelon the ropesthe end of one's roperun on fumesdie on one's arsein extremisworn outlast gaspdead as a dododie on the vineworse for wear