final line / end
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to draw a line under
To end or conclude something definitively, often after a difficult phase or a conflict.
Nach dem langen Streit beschlossen sie, einen Schlussstrich zu ziehen und neu anzufangen.
After the long argument, they decided to draw a line under it and start fresh.
final line
A line drawn at the end of a bill, calculation, or text in order to close it formally.
Nachdem er alle Posten addiert hatte, zog der Buchhalter den Schlussstrich unter die Summe.
After he had added up all the items, the accountant drew the final line under the total.
The word is made up of 'der Schluss' (the end) and 'der Strich' (the line). So it literally describes a line at the end of something.
Mit einem dicken Schlussstrich beendete sie ihren Brief.
With a thick final line, she ended her letter.
The literal meaning (a line on paper) is found in the context of bills, texts, or mathematics. The figurative meaning (ending something) refers to situations, relationships, or the past.
Der Buchhalter zog den Schlussstrich unter die Bilanz.
The accountant drew the final line under the balance sheet.
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'einen Schlussstrich ziehen' (to draw a line under something). It is often followed by 'unter etwas' (under something, accusative).
Sie hat beschlossen, einen Schlussstrich unter ihre unglückliche Vergangenheit zu ziehen.
She decided to draw a line under her unhappy past.
end
The end of a conflict refers to its final part or the point at which it comes to an end. A Schlussstrich emphasizes that someone consciously and definitively brings the conflict to a close. Ende works for the result; Schlussstrich works when the active decision to end it is important.
Nach dem letzten Gespräch zog sie einen Schlussstrich unter den langen Streit.
After the last conversation, she drew a line under the long argument.
Mit dem letzten Gespräch war das Ende des langen Streits erreicht.
With the last conversation, the long argument had reached its end.
