Last chance saloon

Hampton, UK  • The phrase “last chance saloon” is a metaphor for a final opportunity to succeed or avoid failure. It is often used in a humorous or ironic way, but it can also be used to describe a serious situation where the stakes are high.

The phrase is thought to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. At that time, there were many saloons located near state borders where alcohol was illegal. These saloons were often called “last chance saloons” because they were the last place where customers could drink alcohol before crossing the border into a dry state.

Today, the phrase “last chance saloon” is used in a variety of contexts. For example, it might be used to describe a student’s final opportunity to pass a class, an athlete’s last chance to make a team, or a business’s last chance to avoid bankruptcy.

Here are some examples of how the phrase “last chance saloon” might be used in a sentence:

  • The company is in the last chance saloon. If they don’t turn things around soon, they’ll be out of business.
  • The cricketer is in the last chance saloon. He’s been dropped from the team a few times, and if he doesn’t score some runs in the next match, he’s gone for good.
  • The student is in the last chance saloon. He failed his exams last year, and if he doesn’t pass them this year, he won’t be able to graduate.
  • The government is in the last chance saloon on climate change. If they don’t take drastic action now, it will be too late.

The phrase “last chance saloon” is a reminder that we all have opportunities in life, but we need to take advantage of them while we can. Once we miss an opportunity, it may be gone forever.


Hampton, UK  • location