Real Dictionary

last ditch in British English
a last resort or place of last defence

last-ditch
A last-ditch action is done only because there are no other ways left to achieve something or to prevent something happening. It is often done without much hope that it will succeed.

last-ditch in American English
made, done, used, etc. in a final, often desperate act of resistance or opposition
adjective: done finally in desperation to avoid defeat, failure, disaster, etc.

last-ditch in British English
noun: made or done as a last desperate attempt or effort in the face of opposition