Idiom: swan song

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A swan song is a farewell public appearance or final piece of work before retirement or death.

This idiom is usually used when referring to actors, artists, writers and musicians etc, but it is also used when talking about a person's last activity in many other areas.

It has its origins in the fable that swans only sing when they are dying.

Examples of use:

1.The famous ballerina's swan song was amazing.

2. Millions of people watched the actor David Tennant's swan song as Dr Who.

3. News headline: Westlife perform emotional swan song as they sing together for the last time.

4. The novel was his last before his death: his swan song.

Image by Gidzy

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