parting shot

American  

noun

1. a threat, insult, condemnation, sarcastic retort, or the like, uttered upon leaving.

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parting shot British  

noun

1. Also called: Parthian shot.  a hostile remark or gesture delivered while departing

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parting shot Idioms  

1. A final insult or last word in an argument, as in As she stalked out, Jane hurled as a parting shot, “And I quit!” This idiom apparently originated as a corruption of Parthian shot, referring to the practice of ancient Parthian warriors of turning back to shoot at their pursuers. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of parting shot

First recorded in 1890–95; perhaps by folk etymology from Parthian shot

Example Sentences

Powell’s term as Fed chair is already supposed to end in May — so the investigation comes more as a parting shot as Powell decides whether to serve out his term as a Fed governor.

From MarketWatch

He did take a parting shot at ESPN, pointing out on social media that every analyst on the network’s “College GameDay” show picked Georgia to win.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s my parting shot,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

And the judge's parting shot carried, perhaps, just a hint of exasperation.

From BBC

Penn State was just getting started even if the Bruins did deliver a parting shot with Martin’s late touchdown pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comment
• explanation
• feedback
• interpretation
• justification
• key
• observation
• rebuttal
• remark
• report
• resolution
• response
• result
• return
• sign
• solution
• statement