At the end of the day
Academic essay writing expression
Use this phrase to cut through details and state the most important final result.
15초 만에
- Used to highlight the most important point of a discussion.
- Functions as a synonym for 'ultimately' or 'in conclusion'.
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
뜻
This phrase is used to summarize a situation by focusing on the most important fact or the final result. It's like saying 'when everything is considered' or 'ultimately.'
주요 예문
3 / 6Giving advice to a friend
At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy.
Ultimately, you have to do what makes you happy.
A business meeting about budget
We can discuss the details later, but at the end of the day, we need to save money.
The most important thing is that we need to save money.
Texting about a sports game
We lost, but at the end of the day, it was just a friendly match.
We lost, but it doesn't really matter because it was just a friendly.
문화적 배경
The phrase became a staple of business and political jargon in the 1970s and 80s. It reflects the Western cultural emphasis on results and pragmatism over process. In modern times, it is often parodied for being overused by reality TV stars and football managers.
The 'Bottom Line' trick
If you can replace the phrase with 'The most important thing is...', then you are using it correctly!
Avoid Cliché Overload
In the UK, this phrase is often voted as one of the most annoying office clichés. Use it sparingly to keep your speech fresh.
15초 만에
- Used to highlight the most important point of a discussion.
- Functions as a synonym for 'ultimately' or 'in conclusion'.
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
What It Means
Think of a long, messy meeting. Everyone is arguing about colors and fonts. Then, the boss stands up. They say, At the end of the day, we just need a website that works. This phrase cuts through the noise. It highlights the most important fact. It's like looking at a giant pile of receipts. You don't care about the paper. You care about the total cost. That total cost is your end of the day point. It simplifies life.
How To Use It
You can drop this at the start of a sentence. Use a comma after it for a pause. For example, At the end of the day, family comes first. You can also put it at the end. It’s about your health at the end of the day. It works like a verbal highlighter. It tells the listener, 'Pay attention to this part.' It’s very flexible in conversation. It helps you sound decisive and thoughtful.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to simplify a complex situation. It’s great for giving advice to a stressed friend. Use it in business when focusing on results. It’s perfect for closing an argument. It shows you are looking at the big picture. You’ll hear it in sports interviews constantly. Players use it to summarize a win or loss. It’s great for texting when you want to be brief.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it to describe the sunset. That would be literal and confusing. Avoid it in very formal, old-fashioned academic journals. Some professors think it’s a 'filler' phrase. Don't use it every five minutes. It loses its power if you overdo it. If you say it too much, you sound like a corporate robot. Use it once to make your point strong.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded in popularity in the late 20th century. It moved from business offices to TV sports commentary. Now, it’s everywhere in English-speaking cultures. It reflects a culture that values the 'bottom line.' We like to get to the point quickly. It’s a very pragmatic, results-oriented expression. It’s common in the US, UK, and Australia.
Common Variations
You might hear When all is said and done. This is a bit more poetic. The bottom line is is the corporate cousin. Ultimately is the one-word academic version. In the final analysis is for when you want to sound very smart. They all do the same job. Choose the one that fits your mood.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral but leans toward informal in strict writing. It is a 'concluding' marker that helps listeners identify your most important point. Avoid using it literally unless you are actually talking about the evening.
The 'Bottom Line' trick
If you can replace the phrase with 'The most important thing is...', then you are using it correctly!
Avoid Cliché Overload
In the UK, this phrase is often voted as one of the most annoying office clichés. Use it sparingly to keep your speech fresh.
The Sports Connection
Listen to any post-match interview in the Premier League. You will likely hear this phrase at least three times. It's the ultimate athlete's filler!
예시
6At the end of the day, you have to do what makes you happy.
Ultimately, you have to do what makes you happy.
Used to simplify a difficult personal decision.
We can discuss the details later, but at the end of the day, we need to save money.
The most important thing is that we need to save money.
Used to refocus the team on the primary goal.
We lost, but at the end of the day, it was just a friendly match.
We lost, but it doesn't really matter because it was just a friendly.
Used to minimize the importance of a negative result.
I tried to eat salad, but at the end of the day, the pizza was calling my name.
In the end, I chose the pizza over the salad.
Uses the phrase to show an inevitable (and funny) conclusion.
At the end of the day, we just weren't right for each other.
The final truth is that we weren't a good match.
Provides a sense of closure to a complex situation.
At the end of the day, the evidence suggests that the policy was a failure.
Ultimately, the evidence shows the policy failed.
A slightly more informal way to conclude an argument in writing.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence focusing on the final result.
We had many arguments, but ___, we are still best friends.
The speaker is summarizing the relationship despite the arguments, which is the perfect use for this phrase.
Which word is a more formal synonym for 'at the end of the day'?
___, the project was a success.
'Ultimately' carries the same meaning of 'the final result' but is more common in formal writing.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Spectrum
Texting friends about dinner plans.
At the end of the day, I just want tacos.
Discussing a work project with a colleague.
At the end of the day, the client's happy.
Writing a university essay conclusion.
At the end of the day, the data is clear.
When to use 'At the end of the day'
Sports Interview
We gave it our all.
Relationship Talk
I still love you.
Business Meeting
Profit is what matters.
Personal Reflection
I did my best.
자주 묻는 질문
11 질문Usually no. While it can literally mean when the sun goes down, it is almost always used metaphorically to mean 'ultimately' or 'in the end'.
It is acceptable, but some professors find it a bit informal or cliché. Using Ultimately or In conclusion might be safer for high-level academic writing.
Yes! It is very common to start a sentence with At the end of the day, followed by your main point. Just remember the comma.
They are very similar. In the end often refers to a sequence of events, while at the end of the day focuses more on the final priority or result.
It is extremely common in both! It is a universal English expression used across all major dialects.
No, that doesn't work as a metaphor. At the end of the week is almost always literal, referring to Friday or Saturday.
Because it is used so often as a filler word in business and media. When people have nothing else to say, they often lean on this phrase.
Yes, it can show that you are results-oriented. For example: At the end of the day, I want to ensure the team hits its targets.
Not at all. You can use it for small things, like At the end of the day, it's just a sandwich.
Yes, they are perfect synonyms. When all is said and done is slightly more dramatic and formal.
It’s a C1 level phrase because it requires a sense of nuance, but even beginners can use it to sound more natural in conversation.
관련 표현
Ultimately
Finally; in the end.
When all is said and done
When everything is finished and considered.
The bottom line
The most important fact in a situation.
All things considered
Taking all aspects into account.
In the final analysis
A very formal way to say 'at the end of the day'.
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