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Synonyms for bitter end

Grammar : Noun
Spell : bit-er end for 1; bit-er end for 2
Phonetic Transcription : ˈbɪt ər ˈɛnd for 1; ˈbɪt ər ˌɛnd for 2

Définition of bitter end

Origin :
  • In lexicons of sea language going back to 1759, the bitter end is the part of a cable which is round about the bits (two great timbers used to belay cables) when the ship is at anchor.
  • Bitter end of the Cable, the End which is wound about the Bitts. ["The News-Readers Pocket-Book: Or, a Military Dictionary," London, 1759]
  • See bit (n.1). So, when a cable is played out to the bitter end, there is no more left to play. The term began to be used c.1835 in non-nautical use and with probable influence of bitter (adj.).
  • noun unpleasant termination
Example sentences :
  • Well, since rhyming's been my ruin, let me rhyme to the bitter end.
  • Extract from : « Ballads of a Bohemian » by Robert W. Service
  • More than ever she determined to struggle to the bitter end.
  • Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser
  • Perspiring from every pore, we labour manfully on to the bitter end.
  • Extract from : « Brighter Britain! (Volume 1 of 2) » by William Delisle Hay
  • It must be borne; had He not borne His own up to the bitter end?
  • Extract from : « The Prodigal Returns » by Lilian Staveley
  • For every room saw its separate stand; and every stand was to the bitter end.
  • Extract from : « When the West Was Young » by Frederick R. Bechdolt
  • He was in town at the time, and took part, sir, to the bitter end.
  • Extract from : « Nostromo: A Tale of the Seaboard » by Joseph Conrad
  • It was Manuel who saved our lives, defeating his own aim to the bitter end.
  • Extract from : « Romance » by Joseph Conrad and F.M. Hueffer
  • "Then I'll fight,—and to the bitter end," answered the boy, earnestly.
  • Extract from : « For the Liberty of Texas » by Edward Stratemeyer
  • "No, they went on to the bitter end," said Raeburn with one of his bright, humorous looks.
  • Extract from : « We Two » by Edna Lyall
  • I fought to the bitter end with my fists, feet, head, and teeth.
  • Extract from : « An Explorer's Adventures in Tibet » by A. Henry Savage Landor

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019