coup de main

[ koo duh man ]

noun

, French.

, plural coups de main [koo d, uh, , man].

1. a surprise attack; a sudden development.

coup de main

/ ku də mɛ̃ /

noun

1. military an attack that achieves complete surprise

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup de main¹

Literally, “blow from the hand”

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup de main¹

literally: blow with the hand

Example Sentences

Did you spot the coup de main there?

From Forbes

In the ring, Pacquiao, an avatar of speed and power combined into unremitting attack, exemplifies the Napoleonic principle of coup de main, the bold, decisive strike.

From New York Times

“I’ll bring it to you. It is a successful coup de main.”

From Literature

In order to effect an entrance into the fort by a coup de main, they sent runners to frighten and drive in the horses and cattle.

From Project Gutenberg

In attempting to storm the fort by a coup de main, they were beaten off with the loss of 200 men, the garrison sallying out and driving them back to their ships.

From Project Gutenberg