PhrasesHub

Parting shot

    Definitions

      • final insult or criticism
        To refer to a final insult or criticism delivered before leaving a situation or ending a conversation

      • last attempt at something
        To refer to a final attempt or action made before leaving or ending a situation

    Examples of Parting shot

    • In the final moments of the political debate, Senator Jones delivered a parting shot by accusing his opponent of accepting donations from foreign governments.

      A parting shot is a final and often unexpected attack or criticism made by someone as they depart from a situation or debate. In this example, Senator Jones made a strong accusation against his opponent as the debate came to a close.

    • As the negotiations came to a close, the CEO delivered a Parthian shot by unexpectedly revealing sensitive information that gave his company a competitive advantage.

      A Parthian shot, named after the ancient Parthian Empire, is a tactic used to inflict maximum damage on an opponent in a final blow. In this example, the CEO revealed unexpected information in the final moments of the negotiations to gain a competitive advantage over the other party.

    • After a heated argument, Lisa threw a parting shot by storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

      In this example, Lisa's final action in the argument was to storm out of the room and slam the door behind her, which can be seen as a parting shot as it leaves the other person feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next.

    • The athlete delivered a Parthian shot during the final moments of the game, draining a three-pointer to secure the win for his team.

      In this example, the athlete hit a three-pointer in the final moments of the game, a move that can be seen as a Parthian shot, as it inflicted maximum damage on the opposing team and secured a vital win for his own team.

    • After losing the debate by a landslide, the defeated candidate fired a parting shot by making a sarcastic comment about her opponent's appearance.

      A parting shot is a final, often bitter or cruel remark made by someone as they depart from a situation, especially a person who has been defeated or is leaving a position of power. This idiom originated from an ancient Persian trick in which an archer would turn and fire his bow while retreating, making it difficult for his pursuers to follow him.

    • The politician delivered a scathing parthian shot during his concession speech, blaming his opponent's negative campaigning for his defeat.

      In this example, the idiom is used as a synonym for "parting shot." Parthian shot is another term for this tactic, derived from the Persian military strategy mentioned earlier.

    • The coach's parting shot to his team before they left for the locker room was to remind them that the game was not over until the final whistle blew.

      In this example, the idiom is used in a different context, where the speaker is wishing his team good luck before they leave for a break or intermission, but also warning them not to relax or lose focus until the end of the game.

    • The actor took a parting shot at the critics who had panned her latest performance, insisting that she knew her craft better than they did.

      This example showcases an alternative use of the idiom, where the speaker is using a parting shot to defend themselves or their actions, often in response to criticism. It can be related to the age-old adage "Don't shoot the messenger."


    Conclusion

    The idiom "parting shot" or "Parthian shot" is often used to describe a final insult or criticism delivered before leaving a situation. It can also refer to a last attempt at something before leaving or ending a situation. In both cases, it signifies a final action or remark made before departing.

    The idiom is commonly used in informal conversations, debates, or arguments to describe a final, often cutting remark made by someone who is about to leave. It can also be used to describe a last-ditch effort or action taken before the end of a particular endeavor.

    Origin of "Parting shot"

    The term "parting shot" is believed to have originated from the military tactic known as the "Parthian shot," which was used by the Parthians, an ancient Iranian people. The Parthian shot involved turning around on horseback to shoot arrows at the enemy while retreating. Over time, the term evolved to be used figuratively to describe a final action or remark before leaving a situation.

    The idiom "parting shot" likely emerged from this military tactic, as it reflects the idea of delivering a final blow or action before departing. The term has been used in the English language for centuries and continues to be a popular expression in modern usage.