Definition: The final act before death.

Origin
In ancient times the swan was a not your average bird. According to Socrates and Plato (not to be confused with Pluto), swans were mute most of their lives. The ancients believed that the second before death occurred swans burst forth in the most glorious of songs in gladness because they were going to join Apollo. Apollo, the god of light, fine arts, prophecy, medicine, poetry, and eloquence thought swans were pretty neat (not too-shabby god to have in your corner at that time).

Answers Swan Song Albatross around your neck To curry favor Neither fish nor fowl To lay an egg