Is there a difference between ‘It was the last leg of our journey’ and ‘It was the last lap of our journey’? If yes, could you distinguish it?
‘Lap’ suggests one circuit on a motor sport track or also a field event. ‘Last lap’ would indicate the final ‘going round’ on the track. ‘Last leg’ would suggest the final stage/section of a journey, which is of considerable length.
Drawing on the definitions (thefreedictionary.com/leg), I would say that you could use ‘last leg’ when referring to the last of the distinct sections of your journey. ‘Last lap’ sounds less specific meaning just final part of a (long) journey.
So, what do you say, Alan, with reference to Eugene’s comment? I’m a bit confused now because his definition speaks of journey in both the cases. I’d like to be more clear about it. (The URLs are either ‘Page not found’ or of little help)
[Alan, in fact, I was almost taking your explanation for granted, with thanks, when his comment appeared.]
I would not use ‘last lap’ within the context of a journey because as stated above it indicates a circuit - the final circuit of one or more earlier circuits.
I suggest you check out on both ‘last leg/lap’ in the BNC.
To me, not much difference judging by the sentences found.
I find ‘the last leg’ associated more with journeys, tours etc in the BNC.