breaking point

the point at which a person, object, structure, etc., collapses under stress.

the point at which a situation or condition becomes critical.

Origin of breaking point

First recorded in 1895–1900

Judith's slender figure vibrated like a cord strung to breaking-point.

The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne |William J. Locke
But the strain which Constantine put upon the patience of his people reached the breaking-point in 1916.

A Short History of the Great War |A. F. Pollard
He felt he had reached the breaking-point; that the time had come when he must consider what he owed to himself.

The Lion and the Unicorn and Other Stories |Richard Harding Davis
Every effort, human and mechanical, all over the great factory, was now strained almost to the breaking-point.

The Long Day |Dorothy Richardson

It was not long before the relations with the Archbishop became strained to breaking-point.

Story-Lives of Great Musicians |Francis Jameson Rowbotham

breaking point

the point at which something or someone gives way under strain

the moment of crisis in a situation

breaking point

[ brā′kĭng ]

The point at which physical, mental, or emotional strength gives way under stress.

The point at which a condition or situation becomes critical.