famous last words

Definitions

1. 1

   A notable final utterance before death, especially one made by a celebrity or historical…

   A notable final utterance before death, especially one made by a celebrity or historical figure.

   • Lawrence died defending his vessel and his famous last words, "Don't give up the ship," have been familiar to every schoolboy.
   • When Arria's husband was hesitating to kill himself, she stabbed herself with his dagger, to demonstrate to him how to accomplish a noble suicide. Her famous last words—Paete, non dolet ["Paetus, it does not hurt!"].
2. 2

   A statement which is overly optimistic, results from overconfidence, or lacks realistic…

   A statement which is overly optimistic, results from overconfidence, or lacks realistic foresight.

   • Says one Sperry product executive: "As a manager, there is almost nothing you can do to get fired here." Considering the new circumstances, those could be famous last words.
   • "But Nick—I'm never getting married again. I'm serious about that.""Famous last words."
   • "Lindsey and Tess are both armed. And Stella and Robert are here. We're ridiculously safe." "Those sound like such famous last words," Dave said.

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