coup de théâtre

[kood^uhtey-ah-tr^uh]

noun

French.

plural

coups de théâtre 

1. a surprising or unexpected turn of events in a play.

2. a sensational and unexpected turn in the plot of a drama.

3. any theatrical trick intended to have a sensational effect.

coup de théâtre

/ ku də teɑtrə /

noun

1. a dramatic turn of events, esp in a play

2. a sensational device of stagecraft

3. a stage success

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup de théâtre¹

literally: stroke of the theatre