Search
Swan song
01
the last important thing that a person does before their retirement or death
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "swan song" and when to use it?
The idiom "swan song" originates from the ancient belief, dating back to Greco-Roman mythology, that swans sing a beautiful, haunting melody just before their death. This belief was perpetuated in various literary works, including the Roman poet Virgil's writings. Over time, this expression evolved to describe a final, notable performance or effort before retiring, leaving a position, or coming to the end of a career.
swan song
n
Example
The legendary musician's farewell concert was considered his swan song, a perfect culmination of his career.
After a long and successful acting career, the movie was seen as the actor's swan song, showcasing his talent one last time.
The retiring teacher's final lecture was a touching swan song, leaving a lasting impact on her students.
The retiring CEO's speech at the annual meeting served as her swan song, expressing gratitude and reflecting on her time with the company.
The championship game turned out to be the coach's swan song, concluding a remarkable tenure with a victory.