swan song
/swɑːn sɔːŋ/
Meaning
A 'swan song' refers to the final performance, effort, or creative work of an artist, athlete, or professional before they retire or pass away. The term comes from an ancient belief that swans, which are otherwise silent, sing a beautiful, mournful song just before they die. It is used with a sense of respect, significance, and nostalgia.
Examples
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The legendary director's last movie was a brilliant swan song to a career spanning five decades.
The legendary director's last movie was a brilliant swan song to a career spanning five decades.
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This championship match will be the veteran quarterback's swan song before he officially retires.
This championship match will be the veteran quarterback's swan song before he officially retires.
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She poured all her remaining energy into her final novel, knowing it would be her swan song.
She poured all her remaining energy into her final novel, knowing it would be her swan song.
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The band announced that their upcoming world tour would be their collective swan song.
The band announced that their upcoming world tour would be their collective swan song.
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Many critics consider his performance in the indie drama to be a fitting swan song for the late actor.
Many critics consider his performance in the indie drama to be a fitting swan song for the late actor.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He sang his swan song at the company retirement dinner.
✓ The speech was his swan song before retiring from the company.
'Swan song' is a noun phrase, not a verb phrase. You do not literally 'sing' a swan song; rather, an action or event *is* your swan song.
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✗ This will be my last swan song as a professional dancer.
✓ This will be my swan song as a professional dancer.
A 'swan song' is by definition the final performance. Adding 'last' is redundant and unnatural.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The designer's final runway show in Paris was a spectacular ___ to her legendary career.
💡 A final performance or piece of work before retirement.
Show answer
swan song
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He wanted his final research paper to be a true ___ that would change the scientific field forever.
💡 A significant final contribution.
Show answer
swan song