This phrase is used to express the frustration or disappointment that comes from working hard towards a goal, but failing just when success seemed within reach. The literal translation is 'so much swimming only to die at the shore'.
Examples
- Spanish: Después de tanto estudiar para el examen, lo reprobé por un punto. Tanto nadar para morir en la orilla.
- English: After so much studying for the exam, I failed by one point. So much swimming only to die at the shore.