swan song
See also: swansong
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Calque of German Schwanenlied[1](from Schwan + Lied) or Schwanengesang[2]; from the belief that the mute swan sings before dying.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
swan song (plural swan songs)
- (idiomatic) A final performance or accomplishment, especially one before retirement.
Synonyms
Translations
a final performance
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References
- ^ "swan song", Webster's Third New International Dictionary
- ^ A Way With Words