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Glite Dictionary
until the last dog is hung

until the last dog is hung

9.9
To keep supporting something until the very end, no matter how long it takes
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : hasta el último momento
  • The fans promised to support the club until the last dog is hung, no matter how many games they lost.

Examples

  • She fought for her client's innocence until the last dog is hung.

  • We will fight for our rights until the last dog is hung!

  • If you believe in the cause, stick with it until the last dog is hung.

  • I will support this project until the last dog is hung.

  • She fought for her client's innocence until the last dog is hung.

  • The fans promised to support the club until the last dog is hung, no matter how many games they lost.

  • I will support this project until the last dog is hung.

Synonyms

to hold on
vsuntil the last dog is hung
173 3.3

To keep trying and not give up when things are hard

implies ongoing support until the very end rather than momentary resistance
to hang in
vsuntil the last dog is hung
  • Informal
167 3.6

To keep trying and not give up when things are hard

expresses long term persistence until completion rather than brief effort
to hang on
vsuntil the last dog is hung
  • Informal
46 3.3

To continue doing something and refuse to give up

is used for continued support until the very end rather than temporary effort
to the bitter end
vsuntil the last dog is hung
  • Informal
8 5.5

Keep doing something until it is completely finished, even when it is very hard

focuses more on ongoing support until the very end no matter duration
until the cows come home
vsuntil the last dog is hung
  • Informal
3 8.5

For a very long time that seems to never end

focuses on finishing support no matter how long rather than indefinite duration
the last dog is hung
vsuntil the last dog is hung
  • Archaic
9.9

To keep trying until everything is finished no matter how long it takes

is the same meaning but used with an initial 'until' form
until the wheels fall off
vsuntil the last dog is hung
  • Informal
8.6

Continue doing something with energy until you can no longer

sets emphasis on lasting support until the very end regardless of time

Antonyms

to give up
∞ 1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

to abandon
401 3.8

Stop supporting an idea or plan

How Long

until the last dog is hung
  • Informal
9.9
agelong
  • Archaic
8.4
prolonged
69 3.9

Surface Forms

until the last dog is hung main

Morphology

until + the + last + dog + be + hang

Although 'until' and 'last' mark continuation to an endpoint, the clause 'the last dog is hung' uses a culturally specific, metaphorical and violent image that does not transparently express 'persisting to the end.' The unusual collocation and idiomatic use of 'dog' + 'hung' would likely be interpreted literally or misunderstood by a B1 learner who knows the words, so the overall meaning is not derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Until the last dog is hung may come from an old, strong image: imagine staying until even the last dog is hung, the very final act. So the phrase means 'to keep going or to keep supporting something until the very end'.