coup de main
noun
a surprise attack; a sudden development.
coups de main
-
pluralof coup de main.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Skill, stratagems, boldness, on the part of the assailant, and fear excited among the assailed, are some of the things which have an influence upon the successful issue of coups de main.
From The Art of War by George Henry Mendell
"No rash steps—no coups de main," exclaimed Frederick William, gravely and imperiously, standing in front of Hardenberg, and looking him full in the face.
From Napoleon and Blucher by L. (Luise) Mühlbach
Although coups de main seem to be entirely tactical operations, their importance certainly depends on the relations of the captured posts to the strategic combinations in hand.
From The Art of War by George Henry Mendell
On this confused and disorderly multitude, as well as on most of the marauders on our flanks, the cossacks might have made successful coups de main.
From History of the Expedition to Russia Undertaken by the Emperor Napoleon in the Year 1812 by Philippe-Paul, comte de Ségur
The attack of a place of this kind presents nearly the same combinations as that of an intrenched camp; for both belong to the class of coups de main.
From The Art of War by George Henry Mendell
