A Last Ditch Attempt (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "A Last Ditch Attempt"?

A last ditch attempt is a last-minute attempt or an attempt to do something at the final opportunity to do so. This term has its origins in a speech by King William III of England in the late 17th Century. He called upon all Englishmen to "fight and die in the last ditch" to defend England.

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A Last Ditch Attempt (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • The recent pay rise is a last ditch attempt to avoid strike action.
  • The Prime Minister resigned in a last ditch attempt to keep his party in power.
  • As a last ditch attempt to pass, I stayed up all night studying.

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What are idioms? What is figurative language? A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs