Spanish Expression · Intermediate
estar en las últimas
to be on one's last legs / on the verge of collapse
Pronunciation: es-TÁR en las ÚL-ti-mas
Meaning
To be in a very bad condition, near the end, or about to break down/fail.
Example
Mi viejo ordenador ya está en las últimas.
My old computer is already on its last legs.
Common mistakes & tips
- Practice estar en las últimas out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this is a intermediate-level Spanish expression.