“At the End of the Day” means ultimately, when the most important fact or final consideration is taken into account. It can be useful for summing up a decisive consideration, but frequent use may sound formulaic in formal prose.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
Ultimately, when the most important fact or final consideration is taken into account.
Key details
Canonical FormAt the End of the Day
Core Meaningultimately, when the most important fact or final consideration is taken into account
Further guidance
History Boundary
Current meaning is published without claiming a single inventor, exact coinage date, or absolute first use unless separately evidenced.
Meaning
ultimately, when the most important fact or final consideration is taken into account
Usage Boundary
It can be useful for summing up a decisive consideration, but frequent use may sound formulaic in formal prose.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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