Parting shot 意為「回馬槍;臨別惡言;臨別時所說的尖酸話;臨別時所撂下的狠話」。這個用語可追溯到 1820 年代,但在此之前,它是指作戰單位在撤離作戰場地之前一齊發射的砲火。Parting shot 為可數名詞,複數為 parting shots,通常與 take、fire 或 deliver 等動詞連用,其後往往接介系詞 at,再接被惡言或狠話抨擊的對象。
例句:
- The minister announced his resignation on Monday, taking a parting shot at the president. (這位部長週一宣布辭職,臨走前來一記回馬槍,狠批總統一番)
- The departing coach has fired a parting shot at some government officials. (這位即將離職的教練臨別前酸言酸語批評一些政府官員)
- John delivered a parting shot in the interview, saying he would deal a serious blow to that guy. (約翰臨走前在訪問中撂下狠話,說他會給那個傢伙嚴重一擊)
- “And the bike that you bought me is also cheap trash!” was her parting shot. (「還有你買給我的那部腳踏車也是廉價的爛貨!」是她臨走時扔下的一句話)