to-be-driven-to-the-tether’s-end
/tə biː ˈdrɪv.ən tə ðə ˈtɛð.əz ɛnd/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
Very annoyed, stressed, or tired because something has gone on too long. It suggests you have reached the limit of what you can bear.
- I'm driven to the tether's end by this noise.
- She was driven to the tether's end at work.
- After the delays, we were all driven to the tether's end.
Adinary Nuance
Use this phrase when you want a strong, vivid way to say you have had enough. It is more dramatic than "annoyed" or "stressed," and stronger than "fed up." Compared with "at the end of your rope," it feels more old-fashioned and literary.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bực đến mức chịu hết nổi
- Spanish
- al límite de la paciencia
- Chinese
- 忍无可忍
- Japanese
- 我慢の限界
- Korean
- 참을 수 없는 상태
Etymology
This phrase comes from old imagery about an animal tied with a tether. If it is driven to the end of the tether, it cannot move farther. The phrase later became a figure of speech for reaching the limit of patience.
Common phrases
driven to the tether's endpush someone to the tether's endat the tether's end
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is to-be-driven-to-the-tether's-end formal or informal?
- It is literary and rather old-fashioned. People usually say "fed up" or "at the end of my rope" in daily speech.
- Can I use this phrase in IELTS writing?
- Yes, but only if the tone fits. It sounds strong and literary, so use it carefully in formal writing.
- What is the difference between this phrase and "fed up"?
- "Fed up" is common and casual. This phrase sounds more vivid and serious.