Advertisement

Advertisement

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup de main1

Literally, “blow from the hand”
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup de main1

literally: blow with the hand
Discover More

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


coup de grâcecoup de maître