Famous last words

Meaning

The idiom "famous last words" refers to someone's final statements, which are often regretful or significant, before they die. The phrase has become a metaphor for people who regret their actions or choices when it's too late.

Usage

• Sarah was diagnosed with cancer and knew she had only days left to live. Her famous last words were "I wish I had lived life to the fullest."
• Jack's final words before he jumped off the bridge were "Goodbye, cruel world."
• The character in the movie "Titanic" utters his famous last words as he falls into the freezing water: "I'll see you again someday."
• After being wrongly accused and sentenced to death, Tom whispered his famous last words: "The truth will always be known."
• As she lay dying in her hospital bed, Mary turned to her husband and said her famous last words: "You should have left me earlier."

Roots and History

The phrase "famous last words" has been used since at least the 18th century. It was first used in a collection of stories called "Ghost Stories and Antiquities" by John Dennis, published in 1798. The story tells of a man who died regretting his actions, and his final words are quoted as "It is too late." Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean something different. Instead of referring specifically to someone's final words, it now refers to any statement or action that is significant or impactful in one's life.

Synonyms in English

• Dying words
• Last breath
• Final utterance
• Parting words
• Last moments

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "les derniers mots" (last words)
• Spanish - "las últimas palabras" (last words)
• German - "die letzten Worte" (last words)
• Russian - "последние слова" (last words)
• Italian - "le ultime parole" (last words)

Similar Idioms

• eat words

• make no bones about

• word of mouth