parting shot

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.3 References

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

Believed to be a variation of Parthian shot, referring to a military maneuver in which Parthian troops retreating on horseback turned back to face the enemy and shot while retreating.^[1][2]

[edit] Noun

parting shot (plural parting shots)

1. (idiomatic) An insult or barbed comment issued as the speaker departs or the conversation comes to an end.
   • 2007, Greg Stolz, “Power's parting shot at enemies,” Courier-Mail (Australia), 18 Sep.:

     Gold Coast Deputy Mayor David Power took a parting shot at the Crime and Misconduct Commission and his council enemies as he announced his bombshell resignation today.

[edit] References

• Notes:

1. ^ http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Parthian
2. ^ http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/5/messages/1157.html