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at the end of the day
/æt ðiː ɛnd əv ðə deɪ/
ultimately
At the end of the day, we all want to be happy.
This phrase introduces the most important point or conclusion after considering everything.
informal
when everything is considered; ultimately
At the end of the day, what matters most is your health.
This highlights the final or most important consideration.
We discussed many options, but at the end of the day, we chose the simplest solution.
This shows the phrase used to summarize a decision after debate.
Often used to emphasize the most important point or conclusion in a discussion. It does not refer to the literal end of a day.
Collocations
at the end of the dayused to introduce a final or most important point
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Conversations
Use this phrase to signal that you are about to state the most important point or conclusion. It is a great way to wrap up a discussion or argument.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Interpretation
Do not confuse this phrase with the literal end of a day. It is always used metaphorically to mean 'ultimately' or 'in conclusion'.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the literal meaning of 'the end of a day' but evolved to metaphorically represent the conclusion of any process or discussion. It has been used in English since at least the mid-19th century.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in spoken English, especially in discussions or debates, to summarize or emphasize the most important point. It is not used in formal legal or technical writing.
Word Breakdown
at the end
at the final point
prepositional phraseof the day
of the 24-hour period
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary