last hurrah: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘last hurrah’ mean?
The idiom "last hurrah" refers to a final attempt or effort, often undertaken just before the end of a person's career or a particular situation. It signifies a final moment of glory or excitement before things come to an end.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "last word" refers to the final thing that is said or done in a discussion or argument. It implies the idea of having the ultimate say or control over a situation, often in a way that asserts authority or dominance.
The idiom "last trump" refers to a final and decisive event or action, often used in religious or biblical contexts. It suggests a significant and ultimate occurrence that marks the end of something.
The idiom "last thing" means the final action or event that occurs before a particular time or event. It emphasizes the timing or order in which something happens. It can also refer to the least important or least desirable action or event in a sequence.
The idiom "last straw" refers to the final incident or event that causes someone to reach their limit or to have had enough. It is the tipping point after which a person can no longer tolerate a situation or behavior.
An idiom that means the final or last gathering or collection of something or someone, often used to express the end or conclusion of a particular event, activity, or period of time.
The idiom "last resort" refers to the final option or action taken when all others have failed or been exhausted.
The idiom "last nail in the coffin" refers to a final event or action that ensures the failure or death of something or someone.
The idiom "last minute" refers to the final moments before a deadline or event. It suggests that something is done or happens with very little time or notice remaining, often causing rushed or stressful situations.
The idiom "last full measure" signifies giving complete and utmost effort or sacrifice, often in the context of one's duty or commitment. It implies going above and beyond what is expected, leaving no reserves, and giving everything until the very end.
Legendary Finale
The idiom "last hurrah" refers to a final act or effort that is done with enthusiasm and energy before the end. It signifies a celebratory or spirited ending, and it has become widely used in American English.
One possible origin of the phrase "last hurrah" is the battle cry "huzzah" used by soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. Over time, "huzzah" and "hurrah" became interchangeable in the mid-19th century. However, the concrete evidence supporting this etymology is lacking.
Another possible origin of the phrase can be traced back to the character Frank Skeffington in Edwin O'Connor's 1956 novel "The Last Hurrah." Skeffington, an Irish-American politician in Boston, experiences his final political campaign before retirement. The popularity of the novel and its subsequent film adaptation in 1958 may have contributed to the widespread adoption of the phrase "last hurrah" to refer to a person's final effort.
While its exact origins remain mysterious, the idiom "last hurrah" has gained popularity in popular culture and everyday usage. It is commonly used to describe a final event, act, or performance before retirement, the end of an era, or the conclusion of a person's career. The phrase conveys a sense of grandeur, excitement, and a bittersweet farewell.
One related idiom to "last hurrah" is "last burst of fire." This idiom implies a final outburst of energy or effort, mirroring the idea of a last hurrah. It can be used to describe someone pushing themselves to their limits or giving one final push before the end. Whether it's a final burst of creativity, a last burst of energy on the sports field, or a final burst of productivity before retirement, this idiom adds to the notion of intensity and exuberance.
Another related idiom is "last-ditch." This expression refers to a final desperate attempt or effort to achieve something. It can be seen as a synonym for someone's last hurrah, as it captures the sense of urgency and the willingness to do anything to succeed. Whether it's a last-ditch effort to save a failing project, a last-ditch attempt to pass a difficult exam, or a last-ditch struggle to win a game, this idiom underscores the idea of putting everything on the line.
Overall, the idiom "last hurrah" serves as a powerful expression to capture the concept of a final act or effort before the end. Its origins may be debatable, but its usage in everyday language and popular culture is undeniable. Whether it's a last burst of fire or a last-ditch effort, the idiom encapsulates the spirit of a final push with enthusiasm and energy.
Example usage
1. After winning the championship for the third time, the retiring coach decided to come back for one last hurrah before officially retiring.
2. The company's CEO announced a series of cost-cutting measures, signaling that this might be the last hurrah before a potential downsizing.
3. As the oldest member of the band, the guitarist gave an incredible performance on their final tour, making it a memorable last hurrah for the fans.
More "Farewell" idioms
