fall at the last hurdle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fall at the last hurdle’ mean?
The idiom "fall at the last hurdle" means to fail or be defeated just before reaching the goal or completing a task due to a final obstacle or difficulty. It implies a sense of disappointment and frustration after coming so close to success.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiomatic expression "stumbling-block" has an interesting history and a specific meaning in modern usage. Derived from its literal meaning, the phrase has evolved over time to convey a metaphorical sense that describes an obstacle or impediment that hinders progress or success.
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Fall foul is an idiom that has been in use for over 400 years. Its literal meaning can be traced back to the game of falconry, where a hawk or falcon would become entangled in a bush or thicket while chasing prey, known as "falling foul" of the vegetation.
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The idiom "fall between two stools" is a well-known expression in British English. It refers to a situation where a person fails to achieve either of two options or ends up in a state of indecision due to their inability to choose between two alternatives.
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The Final Letdown
The idiom "fall at the last hurdle" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It refers to the moment when an individual or group fails to achieve success or reach a goal due to an unexpected obstacle or setback that occurs near the end of their endeavor. This idiom signifies the frustration and disappointment experienced when one's hopes and aspirations are dashed at the final stage.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the world of horse racing. In horse races, the horses compete on a racetrack and must clear a series of hurdles before reaching the finish line. These hurdles are strategically placed throughout the course to test the skill and speed of the horses. The last hurdle, positioned near the end of the race, presents a final challenge for the jockeys and horses to overcome before claiming victory.
The idiom "fall at the last hurdle" metaphorically adopts this situation to describe the experience of individuals or groups who, after surmounting various obstacles and progressing steadily towards their goal, unexpectedly stumble or fail at the final stage. This phrase conveys a sense of disappointment, frustration, and the idea that success was within reach but ultimately slipped away due to an unforeseen setback.
When people use the phrase "fall at the last hurdle," they are emphasizing the failure that occurs near the end of an endeavor, highlighting the missed opportunity and the impact it has on their overall progress. It serves as a reminder that even with substantial effort and determination, success is not always guaranteed and that unforeseen challenges can arise at any moment.
This idiom resonates with a US audience as it encapsulates the American spirit of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of success. It reflects the belief that despite setbacks, one should continue to strive for their goals and never give up, even if failure occurs at the last moment.
The related idiom "at the last minute" is often used in conjunction with "fall at the last hurdle." It refers to something happening or being done at the very end of a given time period or just before a deadline. This phrase further emphasizes the sense of last-minute disappointment that can occur when one fails to achieve their desired outcome despite coming so close.
The idiom "at last" is also related to "falling at the last hurdle." It signifies the moment of relief or satisfaction that comes after a long-awaited event or outcome. In the context of this idiom, "falling at the last hurdle" represents the opposite of reaching that long-awaited moment of satisfaction, as one's hopes and aspirations are dashed just before the finish line.
The final related idiom is "last-ditch," which describes a desperate or final effort to achieve something. When one falls at the last hurdle, it can be seen as a last-ditch attempt gone wrong, where all efforts and resources put into reaching the goal fall short at the final moment.
Overall, the idiom "fall at the last hurdle" symbolizes the frustration and disappointment experienced when success is snatched away at the final stage. It serves as a reminder that no matter how close one may be to achieving their goals, unexpected obstacles can arise and derail their progress. Despite the disappointment, however, it encourages individuals and groups to persevere and continue striving towards their aspirations.
Example usage
He trained for months for the marathon, but unfortunately, he fell at the last hurdle and twisted his ankle.
The team worked hard all season, but they fell at the last hurdle and lost the championship game.
She was a top candidate for the job, but she fell at the last hurdle during the final interview and did not get the offer.
The idiom "fall at the last hurdle" is used to describe a situation where someone fails or experiences a setback just before achieving their goal or completing a task. It originates from the sport of hurdle racing, where athletes must jump over a series of obstacles called hurdles. The final hurdle is the last obstacle before reaching the finish line. If an athlete falls or fails to clear the last hurdle, it can cost them the race. This idiom is often used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone's efforts are thwarted or they face an unexpected obstacle just before reaching their desired outcome.
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