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

This was done before Vendome could reach the place, which was thus secured against a coup de main.

From Project Gutenberg

Doffen, then, ought to have realised that the moment was not opportune for a coup de main.

From Project Gutenberg

We took the citadel, after a slight fusillade, and by a coup de main.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a place should never be exposed to the coup-de-main of an enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

I found our vessel thoroughly secured by the imps, who had taken every precaution to guard against a coup-de-main upon our part.

From Project Gutenberg