Last But Not Least for Dummies

Last but not least is a phrase that we often use in our daily conversations, and it has a very interesting meaning! Imagine you are at a party, and many people are giving speeches or performances. Every person takes their turn to be in the spotlight. Now, at the end of the event, there is one more person left to go. They might be the last one to speak or perform, but even though they are last, they are still very important! That's where the phrase "last but not least" comes from.

So, when we say "last but not least," we are saying that even though something or someone comes last or is mentioned last, they are still significant and shouldn't be overlooked. It's a way to show that everyone or everything has value, no matter the order they come in. Just like that person at the party who might be the last to perform, they could have the most amazing talent or a special message to share. We don't want to forget about them just because they go last.

Let's take an example to make it even clearer. Imagine we are playing a game and everyone is taking turns to answer a question. It's finally your turn, and you get to go last, but you know the answer is really important. You might feel a little nervous because everyone has already had their chance, but you want to make sure they don't forget your answer because it's a fantastic one! So, when it's finally your moment, you confidently say, "Last but not least, the answer is..." This way, you're reminding everyone that even though you are the last one to answer, your answer matters a lot!

Now, there's another way we can understand "last but not least." Sometimes, we use this phrase to introduce the final item on a list. Let's say we are making a list of our favorite fruits. We start by listing apples, bananas, and oranges. Then, when it's time to mention the very last fruit we love the most, we could say, "Last but not least, strawberries!" This way, we are emphasizing that strawberries are the final fruit we're talking about, and they are just as important as the others.

Remember, "last but not least" is a phrase we use to give importance to someone or something that comes last, whether it be in a series of events, a list, or even just acknowledging someone's contribution. It's a way to make sure we don't forget about them and highlight their significance despite their place in order. So, the next time you hear or use "last but not least," you'll know exactly what it means!