Parthian shot


noun

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

Origin of Parthian shot

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

British Dictionary definitions for parthian shot

Parthian shot

noun

another term for parting shot

Word Origin for Parthian shot

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