swan song

noun

1. the last act or manifestation of someone or something; farewell appearance:

   This building turned out to be the swan song of Victorian architecture.

swan song

noun

1. the last act, appearance, publication, or utterance of a person before retirement or death
2. the song that a dying swan is said to sing

Word History and Origins

Origin of swan song¹

First recorded in 1825–35; so called from the belief that the dying swan sings

Idioms and Phrases

A final accomplishment or performance, one's last work. For example, I'm resigning tomorrow; this project was my swan song . This term alludes to the old belief that swans normally are mute but burst into beautiful song moments before they die. Although the idea is much older, the term was first recorded in English only in 1890.

Example Sentences

Fans are wondering whether it will be a swan song for Michaels, who turns 80 later this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Biden’s convention swan song was a catalogue of his successes, which he also attributed to Harris.

From Los Angeles Times

Titled “MAD STUDIO” and featuring a who’s who of local arts, the exhibit is an epic swan song you can’t miss.

From Seattle Times

He’s finally healthy after a troublesome hamstring injury, and it feels like Ellis’ swan song at USC is only beginning.

From Los Angeles Times

David Bowie’s brilliant swan song is getting the full-blown orchestra treatment when members of his “Blackstar” band lead the Seattle Symphony through the rock icon’s final album, re-imagined for a 65-piece orchestra.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• farewell
• wind-up