Parthian Shot

C2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈpɑrθiən ʃɑt/

Definitions of Parthian shot

noun a military tactic where a mounted archer retreats while facing the enemy and shoots arrows in their direction

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a loud noise and then saw a Parthian shot fly past my head.

A2 The soldier made a quick Parthian shot before retreating from the battlefield.

B1 The politician delivered a clever Parthian shot during the debate, leaving his opponents speechless.

B2 The detective always had a Parthian shot ready to catch the suspect off guard.

C1 The author's use of a Parthian shot in the final chapter added a surprising twist to the story.

C2 The CEO's Parthian shot at the end of the meeting left everyone in awe of his strategic thinking.

Examples of Parthian shot in a Sentence

formal The general ordered his troops to retreat, but not before they launched a Parthian shot at the advancing enemy.

informal As they were leaving the party, they couldn't resist taking a Parthian shot at the host.

slang The player made a Parthian shot at the referee after being given a red card.

figurative His sarcastic comment at the end of the meeting felt like a Parthian shot aimed at his colleagues.

Grammatical Forms of Parthian shot

past tense

Parthian shot

plural

Parthian shots

comparative

more Parthian shot

superlative

most Parthian shot

present tense

Parthian shots

future tense

will Parthian shot

perfect tense

have Parthian shot

continuous tense

is Parthian shot

singular

Parthian shot

positive degree

Parthian shot

infinitive

to Parthian shot

gerund

Parthian shot

participle

Parthian shot

Origin and Evolution of Parthian shot

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The term 'Parthian shot' originated from the military tactics of the Parthian Empire, known for their skilled horse archers who would feign retreat and then turn in the saddle to shoot back at pursuing enemies.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'Parthian shot' has evolved to refer to any unexpected or skillful action taken as one is leaving or retreating from a situation.