At Last – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever waited a long time for something? When it finally happens, you can say, “At last!” This common idiom expresses a feeling of relief and happiness after a long wait. Learning at last will help you share your feelings when something you wanted finally occurs.
What Does “At Last” Mean?
“At last” means finally, after a long period of waiting or delay. It shows that you are happy or relieved that something has happened.
Think of it like this: You are waiting for a bus for a long time. When it finally arrives, you say, “The bus is here, at last!”
Remember, it is not for something that happens quickly. It is for something you have been expecting for a while.
When to Use It
You can use this idiom in many happy or relieving situations.
- After Waiting: “The weekend is here, at last!”
- Finishing a Task: “I finished my homework, at last.”
- Achieving a Goal: “She found her keys, at last.”
The tone is positive and emotional. It expresses relief and joy. It works well in both informal and neutral conversations.
Example Sentences
- Spring has arrived at last!
- I passed my driving test at last.
- He called me back at last.
- We found the perfect apartment at last.
Mini Dialogue
Luis: “I’ve been looking for my phone everywhere!”
Priya: “Did you find it?”
Luis: “Yes! It was in my coat pocket, at last!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The main mistake is using “at last” for something that happened quickly or without a long wait.
❌ Don’t say: “I just ordered food, and at last it arrived.” (If it came quickly, this is wrong).
✅ Do say: “I waited for an hour, and at last my food arrived.”
Practice Tip
The next time you finish a long task or wait for something, say “at last!” out loud. For example, when your laundry is done, say, “My laundry is finished, at last!”
Final Note
This is a wonderful phrase to express relief and happiness. It makes your English sound more natural and emotional. Use it to celebrate when something finally happens after a long wait!
