phrase🎓 English idiom

last but not least

important even though mentioned last

What it means

Last but not least is used to introduce the final item or person in a list while stressing that they are no less important than the others. It's a polite way of ensuring the last mention doesn't seem like an afterthought.

Examples

  • And last but not least, I want to thank my family for their support.
  • We have three judges tonight, and last but not least is Dr. Lee.
  • Pack your passport, tickets, and last but not least, your phone charger.
  • Last but not least, remember to back up all your files.

Where it comes from

The phrase is recorded from the 16th century and appears in works including Shakespeare's King Lear, formalising the idea that final order does not mean lesser worth.

Related idioms

#the whole nine yards#across the board#the whole shebang#the whole kit and caboodle

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