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

Example Sentences

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

From The Guardian • Jan. 12, 2016

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

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 just now you do not seem to have either,” was the Parthian shot the president of the Alectrion Corporation sent over his shoulder.

From Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands by Emerson, Alice B.