Synonyms
- At the end of one’s rope
- Running on fumes
- On the brink of collapse
- Walking the final mile
Antonyms
- Fresh as a daisy
- At full strength
- Bursting with energy
- In tip-top condition
Humor-filled Quotes
- “I know this essay is on its last legs, but so am I after pulling that all-nighter!”
- “My phone’s battery is so low it’s practically on its last legs—talk about digital fatigue!”
Similar Idioms and Expressions 😄
- Burning the candle at both ends: Working so hard that you exhaust yourself.
- Hanging by a thread: In a very precarious or fragile state.
- On the ropes: In a difficult situation, close to defeat.
- At death’s door: Seriously ill or about to die.
Related Proverbs and References 🌟
- “A stitch in time saves nine.” — Don’t wait until you’re on your last legs to fix something!
- “Fortune favors the brave.” — Sometimes you have to take action even on your last legs.
Suggested Literature and Films 📚🎬
- Books: “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis, exploring the final efforts of the protagonist.
- Songs: “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, encapsulating the spirit of pushing through.
- Movies: “Rocky Balboa,” especially the iconic scenes where he’s, literally, on his last legs, but still fighting to the end.
### Which idiom best describes being extremely tired?
- [x] On one's last legs
- [ ] Picking the low-hanging fruit
- [ ] Looking for a needle in a haystack
- [ ] Sweating bullets
> **Explanation:** "On one's last legs" means someone is extremely tired or nearing collapse. The other options don't capture this meaning.
### What does 'running on fumes' imply?
- [x] Someone is running out of energy
- [ ] Someone is opening a gift
- [ ] Someone is starting the day anew
- [ ] Someone is traveling on low fuel
> **Explanation:** "Running on fumes" humorously indicates someone is almost out of energy, much like a car running low on fuel.
### True or False: 'At death's door' implies someone is healthy.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely false! "At death's door" means someone is seriously ill or close to death.
### Which phrase is synonymous with 'on one's last legs'?
- [ ] Happy as a clam
- [ ] In full swing
- [x] On the brink of collapse
- [ ] Through thick and thin
> **Explanation:** "On the brink of collapse" matches well; the other phrases do not carry the same meaning.
### What is the origin of 'on one's last legs'?
- [ ] A modern business term
- [ ] An ancient Egyptian saying
- [x] A term from the 16th century
- [ ] A line from a Beatles song
> **Explanation:** The idiom dates back to the 16th century, with usage evidenced in literature from that time.
### Which idiom would suit a tired runner working hard to finish a race?
- [ ] On cloud nine
- [ ] In the doghouse
- [x] On one’s last legs
- [ ] Born with a silver spoon
> **Explanation:** Our exhausted runner would be described as "on one's last legs," working hard to finish when nearly out of energy.
### Pick the antonym of 'on one's last legs.'
- [x] Fresh as a daisy
- [ ] Hanging by a thread
- [ ] Down and out
- [ ] At the end of the road
> **Explanation:** "Fresh as a daisy" means full of energy, directly opposite to being on one's last legs.
### Who might use the expression 'on one’s last legs'?
- [x] A tired marathon runner
- [x] An old, near-retirement teacher
- [ ] A newborn baby
- [x] A worn-out smartphone
> **Explanation:** All indicated options except for the innocent newborn would find this idiom apt to describe their exhausted state.
Remember, language enriches our lives in the most profound yet humorous ways. Whether you’re on your last legs or running on fumes, keep speaking the beautiful idioms of life!