At Last (or at Long Last)

Meaning of Idiom ‘At Last” or ‘At Long Last’

The idiom ‘at last‘ is used the same way as the adverb ‘finally,’ to mean after a long time or delay. It may have the connotation of something finally occurring after a long period of difficulty or irritation. At long last is a more emphatic version of the same idiom.

Notes On Use

It should be noted that the idiom ‘at last’ should not be used as a direct substitute for the adverb finally. For example, if you were introducing a list of people, you would not use ‘at last’ before introducing the last person on the list. Another idiom, last but not least would be appropriate, however, and is frequently used in such situations.

Sentence Examples

“At last my new computer arrived. I thought it would never come.”

“At long last! Susan has arrived. Nice of you to join us!”

“At long last, the boss has decided to include dental insurance in our health plans.”

“May we now vote, Mr. Chairman, at long last?” — The Elephant Man (1980)

“At long last, I have you firmly in my grasp — the pesky Prince Fabious.”— Your Highness (2011)

“I had no idea you knew each other.” “This must be, at long last, our formal introduction.” — All About Eve (1951)

Origin

The idiom at last has been in use since around 1200. The variation “at long last” occurred during the early 1500’s.  ¹

More Idioms Starting with A

• Add Fuel to the Fire
• All Tuckered Out
• Are You Writing a Book?
• Army Brat
• And How

More At Idioms

• Jump At Something (chance, offer, opportunity)
• At the Drop of a Hat
• At Hand
• Ill at Ease
• At Your Fingertips
• At Your Wit’s End

More Last Idioms

• Last of the Big Spenders
• Last Resort
• Last One In is a Rotten Egg
• On Your (or One’s) Last Legs
• Last Word, the

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References

1. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.