at (one's) wits' end


at (one's) wits' end

In a state of distress because one has no more patience or mental stamina, often after having dealt with some kind of problem or difficult situation. The baby's been crying for hours, and I'm at my wits' end! I'm already at my wits' end, so if this train gets delayed too, I'm going to scream.See also: end

at one's wit's end

Fig. at the limits of one's mental resources. I'm at my wit's end with this problem. I cannot figure it out. Tom could do no more. He was at his wit's end.See also: end

at one's wit's end

Also, at wits' end. Completely puzzled and perplexed, not knowing what to do. For example, I've tried every possible source without success, and now I'm at my wit's end. This idiom, which uses wit in the sense of "mental faculties," appeared in Piers Ploughman (c. 1377). See also: end

at your wits' end

COMMON If you are at your wits' end, you are extremely worried about a serious problem that you have tried hard to solve but cannot. Josh became very difficult after his father's death: he was rebellious and rude, and refused to go to school. I was at my wits' end. We row all the time and I'm at my wit's end.See also: end

at (one's) wits' end

At the limit of one's mental resources; utterly at a loss.See also: end