Parthian shot

noun

1. a sharp, telling remark, act, gesture, etc., made in departing.

Parthian shot

noun

1. another term for parting shot

Word History and Origins

Origin of Parthian shot¹

First recorded in 1900–05; so called from the ancient Parthian cavalry's habit of shooting arrows rearward at the enemy while in real or feigned flight

Word History and Origins

Origin of Parthian shot¹

alluding to the custom of Parthian archers who shot their arrows backwards while retreating

Example Sentences

It’s his last one, his peace-out, his Parthian shot, his doch-an-dorrach.

From The Guardian

It’s his last one, his peace-out, his Parthian shot, his doch-an-dorrach.

From The Guardian

He included in his announcement a Parthian shot at his interlocutors in the debt negotiations, saying, “And I shall wear the creditors’ loathing with pride.”

From New York Times

Leaving my Parthian shot to be that I don’t see any checks coming in to me from people who benefit from the current absence of a trade deal so I’m not sure why I should be sending them out if one does happen.

From Forbes

These mounted archers have helped Mayor interpret details in paintings of Amazons: “They notice what kind of thumb rings they’re using, they see whether they’re wearing heel guards and ankle guards, they know what it takes to shoot a Parthian shot when you don’t have any reins or a saddle. You have to do this every day to know that.”

From The New Yorker