tail end Charlie

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

the last person or thing in a group or sequence (British, informal)

Why this phrase?

From the rear gunner or last aircraft in a formation; means the last in line.

Example

“As tail-end Charlie, he always finished the race last.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

call it a day Informal · CEFR B1

To decide to stop working on something for now.

end of story Informal · CEFR B1

used to say that there is nothing more to add or discuss

bite the dust Informal · CEFR B2

to fail or come to an end; to die

call it quits Informal · CEFR B2

to stop doing something, especially after deciding it is not working

full circle Neutral · CEFR B2

back to the original position or state after a series of changes

once and for all Neutral · CEFR B2

finally and permanently, so the matter will not need to be handled again

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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