swan song

noun

1. the last act or manifestation of someone or something; farewell appearance:

   This building turned out to be the swan song of Victorian architecture.

swan song

noun

1. the last act, appearance, publication, or utterance of a person before retirement or death
2. the song that a dying swan is said to sing

Word History and Origins

Origin of swan song¹

First recorded in 1825–35; so called from the belief that the dying swan sings

Idioms and Phrases

A final accomplishment or performance, one's last work. For example, I'm resigning tomorrow; this project was my swan song . This term alludes to the old belief that swans normally are mute but burst into beautiful song moments before they die. Although the idea is much older, the term was first recorded in English only in 1890.

Example Sentences

At an age when most actresses are settling into occasional cameos and swan-song performances, Leachman is only accelerating.

From The Daily Beast

As long as there are a few duets in there and the lights go out on a wonderful swan song.

From The Daily Beast

Théophile Gautier wrote of him, "That exhibition was Marilhat's swan song, and the works he sent were eight diamonds."

From Project Gutenberg

I believe,” Mollie smiled to herself, “that the autumn leaves sing their swan song, too.

From Project Gutenberg

An Adirondack loon fortifying his utterance by a cracked fish-horn is the nearest approach to a healthy swan-song.

From Project Gutenberg

It's my swan-song, my retirement from literature permanently, and I wish to pass to the cemetery unclodded.

From Project Gutenberg

Whistle softly and a bright-coated fellow will run up even upon your shoulder to show his appreciation of the Swan Song.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• farewell
• wind-up