Meaning of famous last words | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A notable final utterance before death, especially one made by a celebrity or historical figure.
   literally, plural, plural-normally
2. A statement which is overly optimistic, results from overconfidence, or lacks realistic foresight.
   figuratively, plural, plural-normally

Equivalents

Examples

“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!"].”

“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.”

CEFR level