Draw the line

[0862] Enough is enough

🎲 Not on my watch
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A declaration that something negative or annoying has gone on for too long and must stop immediately.
  • Expresses frustration and indicates a limit of tolerance has been reached.

Origin

  • A simple, emphatic phrase stating that the point of 'enough' (sufficiency, tolerance limit) has not just been met, but possibly surpassed.
  • Its power lies in its directness and repetition for emphasis. Used for centuries to signify reaching a breaking point.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • That's the last straw (The final event that makes a situation unbearable)
  • I've had it (up to here) / I've had enough
  • This has got to stop
  • I can't take it anymore
  • The limit has been reached

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • I'm done. / I'm so over this.
  • That's it! (Signifying the end of tolerance)
  • Cut it out! (Direct command to stop)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • That's fucking it!
  • No more of this bullshit!
  • I'm fucking done with this!

Milder:

  • This situation is no longer tolerable.
  • We must put an end to this now.
  • This has gone on long enough.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Can be used in informal to semi-formal settings. It carries significant emotional weight and signals a breaking point.
  • Use with caution in highly formal or professional settings unless you are in a clear position of authority and the situation warrants such a strong statement.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Very direct and unlikely to be misunderstood in its core meaning. The intensity might surprise someone unaware of the speaker's built-up frustration.

Examples

  • He kept interrupting the meeting, and finally the chair said, 'Enough is enough! Let her speak.'
  • After weeks of loud parties next door, we decided enough is enough and called the police.
  • I've tried to be patient, but enough is enough. This behavior has to stop.

Dialogue

Maria: My workload keeps increasing, and my boss just piles more on without any support.

Leo: That sounds incredibly stressful. Have you spoken to them?

Maria: I've tried hinting, but nothing changes. Honestly? Enough is enough. I'm scheduling a meeting to address this directly tomorrow.

Leo: Good for you. It's time.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: The constant political fighting online is exhausting. Enough is enough. Taking a break from Twitter. #MentalHealth
  • Facebook Post: To the person letting their dog bark all night: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Some of us have work in the morning!
  • News Headline Style: Citizens March on City Hall, Saying 'Enough is Enough' on Rising Crime Rates.

Response Patterns

  • Agreement: You're absolutely right., It really has gone too far., I agree.
  • Inquiry about action: So what are you going to do?, What happens now?
  • If directed at the listener, potentially defensiveness or apology: Okay, okay, I'll stop.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone declares Enough is enough:

  • Taking decisive action to stop the problematic situation.
  • Explaining the intended action: I'm going to report it. / I'm leaving.
  • Seeking support or agreement for the need to stop it.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a strong declaration made when patience has run out regarding an ongoing issue.

Intonation

  • Strong emphasis on both instances of enough, often with a distinct pause or stress shift between them.
  • Tone is typically one of frustration, finality, and determination.
  • ENOUGH... is ENOUGH. or ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

Generation Differences

  • Universally understood and used across all generations. A fundamental expression of reaching one's limit.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Draw the line
🎲 Not on my watch