The last thing I want

Meaning

The idiom "the last thing I want" means the opposite of what someone desires or needs, often implying disappointment or frustration. It is a common expression used to express dissatisfaction with something that was expected or desired.

Usage

• "I didn't study all week and now I'm going to fail this test. The last thing I want is to let my hard work go to waste."
• "I had a great first date with her, but she canceled the second one. The last thing I want is to be rejected like that again."
• "He always brings up politics at dinner and argues with my family. The last thing I want is to have a heated argument on Thanksgiving."
• "I was looking forward to going on a vacation, but now I have to work overtime. The last thing I want is to be stressed out during my time off."
• "She always forgets my birthday and it hurts my feelings. The last thing I want is to feel ignored on my special day."

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the idiom can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was used in Old English as "the least thing I desire." Over time, the phrase has evolved to its current meaning and usage. The idiom is widely used in contemporary language and has become a common expression in everyday conversations.

Synonyms in English

• the opposite of what I need/desire
• not what I want/need
• anything but what I need/want
• anything other than what I need/want
• the last thing I need/want

Synonyms in other languages

• "La dernière chose que je veux" (French) - The opposite of what I want
• "La ultima cosa que quiero" (Spanish) - Not what I want
• "Non ciò che voglio" (Italian) - Anything but what I want
• "Nicht was ich mag" (German) - Anything other than what I want
• "Не то, что я хочу" (Russian) - The last thing I need/want

Similar Idioms

• there’s no time like the present

• two wrongs don’t make a right

• take it on the chin