parting shot

noun

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

parting shot

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of parting shot¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Mills’ parting shot to Trump: “We’ll see you in court.”

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“It’s my parting shot,” she said.

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

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

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However, the Huskies haven’t been elite in a long time and Saturday’s 91-75 defeat — UW’s eighth straight loss to Arizona — was one last parting shot from the Wildcats before they head to the Big 12 next season.

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Related Words

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