coup de main
a surprise attack; a sudden development.
Origin of coup de main
1Words Nearby coup de main
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use coup de main in a sentence
This was done before Vendome could reach the place, which was thus secured against a coup de main.
The Cornet of Horse | G. A. HentyDoffen, then, ought to have realised that the moment was not opportune for a coup de main.
Dry Fish and Wet | Anthon Bernhard Elias NilsenWe took the citadel, after a slight fusillade, and by a coup de main.
Napoleon's Letters to Josephine | Henry Foljambe HallSuch a place should never be exposed to the coup-de-main of an enemy.
Elements of Military Art and Science | Henry Wager HalleckI found our vessel thoroughly secured by the imps, who had taken every precaution to guard against a coup-de-main upon our part.
Ti-Ping Tien-Kwoh | Lin-Le
British Dictionary definitions for coup de main
/ French (ku də mɛ̃) /
mainly military an attack that achieves complete surprise
Origin of coup de main
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse