Parthian shot

American  

noun

1. a sharp, telling remark, act, gesture, etc., made in departing.

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Parthian shot British  

noun

1. another term for parting shot

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Etymology

Origin of Parthian shot

First recorded in 1900–05; so called from the ancient Parthian cavalry's habit of shooting arrows rearward at the enemy while in real or feigned flight

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Parthian shot

It’s his last one, his peace-out, his Parthian shot, his doch-an-dorrach.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 12, 2016

Leaving the room, the father fires a Parthian shot: "It's not good to be greedy," he says.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is no answer to the old man's Parthian shot: "If you live."

From Time Magazine Archive

As he left, he fired a Parthian shot: The A.A.R. "has encouraged . . . noncompetitive practices," thus also encouraged Federal antitrust action.

From Time Magazine Archive

And with this Parthian shot my lady left him.

From A Mad Love by Charlotte M. Brame

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