to-be-at-one’s-wits’-end
/tə biː æt wʌnz wɪts end/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To be completely confused, stressed, or unable to think of a solution. It describes a very difficult moment when you cannot decide what to do next.
- I'm at my wits' end with this problem.
- She was at her wits' end after days of bad news.
- We were at our wits' end trying to fix it.
Adinary Nuance
Use at one’s wits’ end when someone is mentally exhausted and out of ideas. It is stronger than worried and more specific than confused. It sounds natural in both speaking and writing. Compared with frustrated, it suggests you truly cannot think of a next step.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bó tay
- Spanish
- no saber qué hacer
- Chinese
- 束手无策
- Japanese
- 途方に暮れる
- Korean
- 막막하다
Etymology
The phrase comes from older English, where "wit" meant intelligence or understanding. It has been used since at least the 16th century to show mental exhaustion or frustration.
Common phrases
at my wits' endat her wits' endat our wits' end
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "at one’s wits’ end" formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in conversation, emails, and general writing.
- What is the difference between "at one’s wits’ end" and "frustrated"?
- "Frustrated" means annoyed. "At one’s wits’ end" means you feel unable to solve the problem anymore.
- Can I say "I am to be at my wits’ end"?
- No, that is not natural. Say "I am at my wits’ end."
- Is this phrase common in IELTS writing?
- Yes, but use it only when the meaning is exact and natural in context.