Upshot

Upshot means the conclusion or result of some course of action or discourse and derives its origin from medieval shooting contests, firstly from archery and later on from firearms. In the 15th century, an upshot was the last shot in a shooting contest. A century later, it was being used figuratively as a parting shot or remark. By Shakespeare’s time, however, it had acquired its current meaning. Hamlet Act V, Scene II, “And, in this upshot, purposes mistook.” Twelfth Night Act IV, Scene II, “I cannot pursue with any safety this sport to the upshot.”