A Last Ditch Attempt (Origin)

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.

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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