coup de main
/ku də meɪn/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.95 in modern English
17
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
2
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A sudden development or action carried out to surprise an enemy.
Example Sentences
- "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."
Etymology
Inflected Forms
coups de main (plural)