What does “Swan song” mean?
"Swan song" means a final performance or effort before retirement or the end of something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The singer's farewell concert was her swan song before retiring.
Example
The team's last game of the season was their swan song before disbanding.
Example
The actor's final movie role was considered his swan song in the industry
Is “Swan song” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Swan song” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Swan song” effectively in context?
You can use "Swan Song" to describe a final act or performance that someone gives before retiring or the end of a particular endeavor. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Music
After a long and successful career, the legendary pianist's concert at Carnegie Hall was considered her swan song before she retired.
- 2Sports
The championship game was the team's last match of the season and served as their swan song before they disbanded.
- 3Entertainment
The actor's final movie role, which received critical acclaim, was seen as his swan song in the industry.
Similar phrases to “Swan song”:
Last hurrah
A final celebration or effort before the end of something
Example
The retirement party was his last hurrah before leaving the company.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Swan song” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Swan Song" can be traced back to an ancient belief that swans remain silent throughout their lives, except for their final moments when they sing a beautiful and haunting song before they die. This belief led to the phrase being used metaphorically to refer to a final performance or effort before retirement or the end of something.
Is “Swan song” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Swan Song" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe a final performance or effort in various fields such as music, sports, and entertainment.
What tone does “Swan song” have?
"Swan Song" conveys a tone of nostalgia and significance. It is usually used to highlight the importance and impact of someone's final act or performance.
Can “Swan song” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Swan Song" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations as well as in more formal contexts such as speeches, articles, or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The retiring professor's lecture was his "swan song".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for my "swan song"!' to imply that it's their final act or performance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- farewell
- final act
- last performance
- grand finale
- climactic ending
Antonyms
- fresh start
- new beginning
- opening act
- first step
- early days
