Example: Seine ständigen Ausreden haben das Fass zum Überlaufen gebracht.
Definition
"Das Fass zum Überlaufen bringen" is a German idiomatic expression meaning to cause a situation to become unbearable or to push someone beyond their limit, often by repeatedly provoking or aggravating them, as in the example: 'Seine ständigen Ausreden haben das Fass zum Überlaufen gebracht.'
Translations
be the last straw
colmar el vaso
de emmer doen overlopen
fer vessar el got
faire déborder le vase
Etymology
The phrase "das Fass zum Überlaufen bringen" literally means 'to make the barrel overflow.' It comes from the image of filling a barrel with liquid until it spills over, symbolizing reaching a breaking point. Did you know this vivid metaphor perfectly captures the idea of exceeding tolerance?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Das Fass zum Überlaufen bringen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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be the last straw