Often used in literary content or stories, giving a dramatic or serious tone to the text. In the final chapter, the hero breathed his last, leaving the nation in mourning.
Pro Tip 2/3
Euphemistic
It's a softer, more poetic way to talk about death, used to avoid the harshness of words like 'die'. The old oak tree finally breathed its last during the winter storm.
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Metaphorical Usage
Can be used for things that aren't alive, like machines or organizations that stop functioning. After years of service, the old factory breathed its last and closed doors.