end of the road

the end of the road & the end of the line

1. Lit. the place where the road stops; the end of the route, such as a bus, train, or subway route. •

Our house is at the end of the road.

•

We drove to the end of the road and began our hike into the mountains.

2. Fig. the end of the whole process. •

When we reach the end of the road on this project, we'll get paid.

•

You've come to the end of the line. I'll not lend you another penny.

3. Euph. death. •

When I reach the end of the road, I wish to be buried in a quiet place, near some trees.

•

She was nearly ninety when she came to the end of the line.

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or[end of the line] {n. phr.} The final result or end (as of a way of action or behavior); the condition that comes when you can do no more. * /He had left a trail of forgery and dishonesty across seven states; he had got out of each trouble with a new trick. Now the police had caught up with him, and it was the end of the road./ * /"When I get to the end of the line," Jones thought, "I'd like my children to like and respect me still."/