Famous last words


noun phrase

Something said that proves singularly wrong or inappropriate •An ironic reference to the final deathbed utterances of famous people: ”I certainly hope this won’t be made public,” North said. Famous last words (1940s+)
A phrase used to express disbelief, rejection, or self-deprecation. For example, They said we’d get an extra bonus at Christmas—famous last words! or This book is bound to make the best-seller list—famous last words! This expression alludes to grandiose statements about human affairs that prove to be untrue, such as “This is the war to end all wars,” or “We must make the world safe for democracy.” [ Late 1930s ]

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  • Famously

    [fey-muh s] /ˈfeɪ məs/ adjective 1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated: a famous writer. Synonyms: famed, notable, illustrious. Antonyms: unknown, obscure. 2. Informal. first-rate; excellent: The singer gave a famous performance. 3. notorious (used pejoratively). /ˈfeɪməslɪ/ adverb 1. well-known: her famously relaxed manner 2. very well: the two got […]

  • Famousness

    [fey-muh s] /ˈfeɪ məs/ adjective 1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated: a famous writer. Synonyms: famed, notable, illustrious. Antonyms: unknown, obscure. 2. Informal. first-rate; excellent: The singer gave a famous performance. 3. notorious (used pejoratively). /ˈfeɪməs/ adjective 1. known to or recognized by many people; renowned 2. (informal) excellent; […]

  • Famulus

    [fam-yuh-luh s] /ˈfæm yə ləs/ noun, plural famuli [fam-yuh-lahy] /ˈfæm yəˌlaɪ/ (Show IPA) 1. a servant or attendant, especially of a scholar or a magician. /ˈfæmjʊləs/ noun (pl) -li (-ˌlaɪ) 1. (formerly) the attendant of a sorcerer or scholar

  • Fana

    [fuh-nah] /fəˈnɑ/ noun, Islam. 1. the ecstatic union of the Sufi with the Divine.

  • Fan

    [fan] /fæn/ noun 1. any device for producing a current of air by the movement of a broad surface or a number of such surfaces. 2. an implement of feathers, leaves, paper, cloth, etc., often in the shape of a long triangle or of a semicircle, for waving lightly in the hand to create a […]


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