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Word or phrase for the moment/reason/motive you reveal to someone why you had acted a certain way prior to parting ways

English Language & Usage Asked on May 29, 2021

A massive cliché in action movies (especially James Bond), but is there actually a word for that moment when the evil villain reveals their deadly plot to the action hero before (usually attempting and failing at) killing them?

If there is no word for this, is there a phrase for the "reason that this was done" i.e. if you asked the villain why they did it (apart from probably for personal satisfaction).

In a similar (but un-deadly scenario), is there a word/phrase/motive for the reason someone might feel like they wanted to tell someone (they wouldn’t see again) why they had acted in a certain way prior to the final parting (i.e. telling them about past events during their final encounter)? e.g. "I acted like that because I really liked you and what you did made me feel bad at the time, and I felt like I needed to tell you because…" (is this even a good idea haha)

5 Answers

TVTropes (a website that catalogues pop culture cliches) has it listed as Motive Rant. See: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MotiveRant. For a more general answer I'd go with Impetus which basically means the driving force behind some action.

Answered by Slepz on May 29, 2021

[the] reveal
the moment in which previously withheld information about characters or plot is unveiled.

Answered by FumbleFingers on May 29, 2021

I have a couple suggestions for the reason:

Vindicate:

Justify:

I think the villainous info dump is usually referred to as monologuing and the link that @MετάEd shared from tvtropes is pretty much spot on.

Answered by sippybear on May 29, 2021

I would go with parting shot:

A final remark, usually cutting or derogatory, made just before departing.

The parting shot can (and usually does, at least in movies) include a revelation.

Answered by alwayslearning on May 29, 2021

The reason for revealing the plan is the hubris of the villain.

  1. Excessive pride or self-confidence.

1.1. (In Greek tragedy) excessive pride towards or defiance of the gods, leading to nemesis.

His failure was brought on by his hubris. - MW

Obviously the villain would not put hubris forth as reason, but an outside observer very well might.

Answered by Helmar on May 29, 2021

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