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last-ditch. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
last-ditch, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
last-ditch in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
last-ditch you have here. The definition of the word
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last-ditch, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Popularized and given its current sense through an 1847 translation by Agnes Strickland of a quote attributed to William of Orange during the French invasion of 1672 on his being advised to surrender Holland to Louis XIV: "No, I mean to die in the last ditch."
Pronunciation
Adjective
last-ditch
- (idiomatic) Final, as a last resort; done in desperation.
a last-ditch attack
He sent flowers in a last-ditch effort to keep her from leaving.
2011 January 15, Sam Sheringham, “Chelsea 4 - 3 Blackburn Rovers”, in BBC:Only a last-ditch tackle from Michel Salgado denied Didier Drogba after a clever through-ball from Anelka and, from the resulting corner, Ivanovic flicked the ball on for Ramires, who lashed a half-volley against the bar.
2022 June 29, Paul Stephen, “Network News: Strikes set to escalate as RMT issues rallying call”, in RAIL, number 960, page 6:That's the warning from RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch, who has predicted that industrial action could soon spill over into other sectors of the economy, following the failure of last-ditch talks to avert the largest rail strike since 1989.
Usage notes
Often in the phrase last-ditch attempt or last-ditch effort.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
as a last resort, done in desperation
See also
References