The final result or conclusion of something, especially something surprising or important.
From 'up' + 'shot', originally meaning the final shot in archery (likely dating to 1500s). It metaphorically evolved to mean the final outcome or conclusion of any matter.
Upshot has archery origins—picture archers in a competition where the 'upshot' was literally the deciding final arrow, which is why we still use it for the final, deciding conclusion.
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