breaking point
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breaking point
1. Literally, the point at which an object or machine ceases to function or falls apart. Don't put anything else on that chair—it's wobbling and looks to be close to the breaking point. Based on that terrible noise, it sounds like your car is at the breaking point. The last time I made a smoothie, it seemed like the blender was at its breaking point, so I ordered a new one.
2. By extension, the point at which an overworked or overburdened person, system, organization, etc., fails, gives up, or collapses. I was already fed up with my husband's lazy, selfish ways, but his refusal to come with me to my mother's funeral was the breaking point. With governmental resources already strained to the breaking point, any sort of environmental disaster would likely be catastrophic. I hate it when I snap at the kids like that, but sometimes they just push me to my breaking point!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
breaking point
1. Lit. the point at which something will break. The mule's back was strained to the breaking point with masses of bundles and straw.
2. Fig. the point at which nerves or one's mental state can endure no more. My nerves are at the breaking point.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.