swan song
/'swɔn'sɔɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A final performance or effort: This refers to the last work or performance given by someone, especially before retirement or death. The term originates from the ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful, final song just before they die.
- A final appearance or manifestation: It can also describe the last time something is seen, used, or occurs.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The veteran actor's role in that film was his swan song; he retired from acting shortly after its release.
- The composer's final symphony is considered his magnificent swan song to the classical world.
- This old, crumbling theater is giving its swan song performance tonight before it closes for good.
Advanced Usage
- Used metaphorically: While often used for artistic or professional finales, it can apply to any concluding act.
- The CEO's last strategic plan was her swan song, aiming to secure the company's future before she stepped down.
- In a broader context: It can refer to the last appearance or use of an object or tradition.
- The vintage car's appearance in the parade was its swan song before being donated to a museum.
Variants and Related Words
- Finale (n): The last part of a piece of music, a performance, or a public event.
- The concert ended with a spectacular finale.
- Last hurrah (n, idiomatic): A final effort, production, or appearance.
- The politician's campaign was his last hurrah.
- Valedictory (adj/n): Serving as a farewell; a farewell address.
- She gave a valedictory speech at her retirement party.
Synonyms
- Final performance
- Farewell appearance
- Culmination
- Last work
Related Phrases
- To bow out: To retire or leave gracefully.
- After fifty years on stage, she decided to bow out with one last tour.
- To go out on a high note: To end something successfully or impressively.
- The team lost the final, so they didn't get to go out on a high note.
Related Idioms
- The last act: The final part of a series of events.
- Selling the family business was the last act in his career.
- Curtain call: The appearance of performers at the end of a show to acknowledge applause; can be used metaphorically for a final appearance.
- His speech at the conference was a curtain call for his influential ideas.
Noun
- a final performance or effort (especially before retirement)