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coup de main. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
coup de main, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
coup de main in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
Borrowed from French coup de main.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ku də meɪn/, /ku də mæn/
Noun
coup de main (plural coups de main)
- A sudden development or action to surprise an enemy.
- Coordinate term: coup de force
1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, volume II, →ISBN, page 78:That which of all things he most dreaded was that he should be out-generalled by Mr. Slope; and just at present it appeared probable that Mr. Slope would turn his flank, steal a march on him, cut off his provisions, carry his strong town by a coup de main, and at last beat him thoroughly in a regular pitched battle.
French
Pronunciation
Noun
coup de main m (plural coups de main)
- helping hand (assistance)
- Synonym: coup de pouce
- Tu pourrais me donner un coup de main pour ranger la cuisine, s’il-te-plaît ? ― Could you give me a hand cleaning the kitchen please?
- dexterity, skill
- avoir le coup de main ― (please add an English translation of this usage example)
- surprise attack, coup de main