famous last words

Idioms and Phrases

A phrase used to express disbelief, rejection, or self-deprecation. For example, They said we'd get an extra bonus at Christmas—famous last words! or This book is bound to make the best-seller list—famous last words! This expression alludes to grandiose statements about human affairs that prove to be untrue, such as “This is the war to end all wars,” or “We must make the world safe for democracy.” [Late 1930s]

Example Sentences

Even his famous last words on the cross—“My God, my God, why hast though forsaken me?”

From The Daily Beast

Those were the famous last words of tech visionary Steve Jobs, according to his sister, Mona Simpson.

From The Daily Beast

Famous last words: I have no idea if this is legal or not.

From The Daily Beast

Lindsay Lohan uttered those famous last words in a 2005 interview with Access Hollywood.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• farewell
• wind-up