At the End of the Day – Usage & Meaning

Let’s break down a phrase you’ve likely heard on countless occasions but maybe haven’t given much thought to. This phrase is at the end of the day. I know what you’re thinking; it sounds pretty straightforward, Candace. But it’s not just about the actual end of a day; there’s more to it and ways you can use it. So, sit tight as I explain everything you need to know about this misunderstood idiom.

At the End of the Day Meaning

Contrary to its apparent literal meaning, the phrase at the end of the day has little to do with the completion of our planet’s 24-hour cycle. It’s more of an idiomatic expression that basically means ultimately or when all is said and done. In English, we use this term to denote the idea of getting to the heart of a certain matter or the ultimate outcome or conclusion of a given situation.

End of Day or End-of-Day

The term end of day or end-of-day typically relates to the closing of the business day. It’s often used in commercial or professional contexts, and most people use it to refer to things like the end-of-day report or end-of-day stock prices.

Back in my days of working as an Interior Designer, I spent a lot of time in an office. My boss would often pop his head inside and say, “Can you have those color samples on my table by the end of the day, Candace?” I knew he meant before I went home, not actually before the sun went down.

By the End of the Day or At the End of the Day

Both are correct; it just depends on how and where you’re applying them. By the end of the day is a phrase that’s usually a reference to some sort of deadline, as in something that needs to be completed within a specific timeframe. But at the end of the day refers to an ultimate or final outcome, usually regardless of time.

At the End of the Day Origin and Etymology

The origin of at the end of the day is foggy, but it’s likely derived from a literal interpretation of the phrase, referring to the close of the day.

Like a lot of terms in English, it’s evolved over time to hold a metaphorical meaning and was popularized in the UK during the late 19th century before making its way across the pond and embedding itself into American English.

At the End of the Day Idiom Synonyms

• Ultimately
• In the final analysis
• When all is said and done
• All things considered
• Before closing
• In the long run

Using at the End of the Day in a Sentence

Let’s put at the end of the day to use in a few sentences so you can see exactly how you can use it.

• At the end of the day, this is your decision to make, and I’ll respect whatever you decide.
• She may have her faults, but at the end of the day, she’s a good friend, and I stand by that.
• At the end of the day, I’ll admit that I’d rather be an indie author than traditionally published because I enjoy having total creative control.
• Can you please get me those reports before the end of the day?
• I know my husband tends to ramble, but at the end of the day, his points are valid.
• They bicker constantly, but at the end of the day, I know they really care about each other.

At the End of the Article

Now you know that while it can be used literally to signify the end of the day’s cycle, this phrase is more commonly utilized as an idiom to show either the end of a shift or the idea of ultimately being something.