"Last but one" is a phrase used to describe the item or person that comes just before the last one in a sequence or series. It signifies the second to the last element or position in the order of appearance, presenting the penultimate occurrence within a given context.
The term "last but one" is commonly employed when discussing a list, a line-up, a ranking, or any other sequential arrangement. For instance, in a numbered list, the item labeled "last but one" would be the second-to-last number listed. Similarly, in a relay race, the runner in the "last but one" position is the penultimate runner, handing the baton to the final runner.
The phrase can also be applied to people, particularly in reference to family or academic positions. For instance, in a family consisting of four siblings, the sibling described as "last but one" is the one born just before the youngest. Likewise, in a graduating class, if a student is referred to as "last but one," it means they are the second highest-ranked student, just before the valedictorian or top-ranked individual.
In essence, "last but one" emphasizes the element or individual that precedes the very last, highlighting its position as the second to conclude within a particular progression or arrangement.
