parting shot

American  

noun

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

---

parting shot British  

noun

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

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of parting shot

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

Example Sentences

Despite the parting shot from Kennedy, the US health secretary still speaks with Tedros on a regular basis.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

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 • Jan. 25, 2026

She is evasive when asked about reported sightings of Navarro — who we see walking onto the ice, alone, then standing on a porch next to Danvers in the parting shot of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2024

As Remi packed her bags, Margery delivered a parting shot that was nonsensical but somehow devastating: When the big one comes, you won’t even notice it’s happening.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2024

‘No, that was not thrown by Saruman,’ he said; ‘nor even at his bidding, I think. It came from a window far above. A parting shot from Master Wormtongue, I fancy, but ill aimed.’

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

Related Words

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