Definition
到头来 (dào tóu lái) means 'in the end' but always implies a disappointing or unexpected result after a lot of time or effort — the outcome contradicts what was hoped or expected. This sets it apart from neutral synonyms like 终于 (zhōng yú) and 总算 (zǒng suàn) 'finally', which do not carry a negative connotation.
adverb
in the end (with a connotation of disappointing or unexpected outcome after much time or effort)
Examples
- ，到头来。Tā huā le hěn duō shíjiān xuéxí, dào tóu lái háishì méi tōngguò kǎoshì.He spent a lot of time studying, but in the end still didn't pass the exam.
- ，到头来。Tāmen jìhuà le hěn jiǔ, dào tóu lái què yīnwèi tiānqì qǔxiāo le xíngchéng.They planned for a long time, but in the end cancelled the trip because of the weather.
- ，到头来。Gōngsī tóurù le dàliàng zījīn, dào tóu lái fāxiàn zhège.The company invested a lot of money, but in the end found that this project was completely meaningless.
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