parting shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Mainly written and formal spoken; occasionally informal. Used in journalism, commentary, and narrative descriptions.
Quick answer
What does “parting shot” mean?
A final, critical or cutting remark made by someone as they are leaving a situation or conversation, often intended to have a lasting sting or to assert superiority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A final, critical or cutting remark made by someone as they are leaving a situation or conversation, often intended to have a lasting sting or to assert superiority.
More broadly, any final action, comment, or gesture, especially one that is aggressive, defensive, or memorable, delivered at the conclusion of an interaction or departure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of a final, pointed remark in a conflict or debate.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written contexts (news, reviews) in both regions. No marked frequency difference.
Grammar
How to Use “parting shot” in a Sentence
[Subject] delivered/fired a parting shot at [Target].Her parting shot was that [quoted remark].He left, but not before a parting shot about [topic].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"In his resignation email, he fired a parting shot at the company's outdated management style."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose, but appears in analyses of debates or rhetorical strategies.
Everyday
"As she walked out the door, her parting shot was, 'I hope you're happy now.'"
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parting shot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parting shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parting shot”
- Using it for a positive final comment (e.g., *His parting shot was a compliment* – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'parting gift'.
- Using it as a verb (*He parted shot at me* – incorrect; must be *He fired a parting shot*).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a folk etymology corruption of 'Parthian shot', referring to the ancient Parthian horsemen's tactic of turning in the saddle to shoot arrows while retreating. The similar-sounding 'parting' made the phrase more intuitively understandable.
No, it inherently carries a negative, critical, or aggressive connotation. For a positive final remark, use phrases like 'parting words of wisdom' or 'fond farewell'.
Yes, it functions exclusively as a compound noun. You deliver, fire, or get in a parting shot. It is not used as a verb or adjective.
They are very similar. A 'parting shot' specifically implies the remark is made as one is *departing* (physically or from a conversation) and often has a sharper, more attacking tone. The 'last word' can be in any final exchange, not necessarily upon departure, and can sometimes be merely definitive rather than aggressive.
A final, critical or cutting remark made by someone as they are leaving a situation or conversation, often intended to have a lasting sting or to assert superiority.
Parting shot is usually mainly written and formal spoken; occasionally informal. used in journalism, commentary, and narrative descriptions. in register.
Parting shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːtɪŋ ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːrtɪŋ ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Have the last word”
- “Get the final dig in”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an archer turning to fire one last arrow (a SHOT) as they are PARTING from the battlefield.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (final verbal attack as a final shot in a battle); DEPARTURE IS A PHYSICAL JOURNEY (a 'shot' launched from the point of departure).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would the phrase 'parting shot' be LEAST appropriate?