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coup

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coup de grace

An action or event that brings a swift end to suffering or a worsening situation. The phrase is French for "blow of mercy." The samurai delivered a merciful coup de grace to his mortally wounded enemy. The large class action lawsuit was the coup de grace that caused the failing company to finally go out of business.

See also: coup, DE, grace

a coup de grace

  (formal)

an action or event which ends or destroys something that is gradually becoming worse Jane's affair delivered the coup de grace to her failing marriage.

See also: coup, DE, grace

count coup

Among certain Native American peoples, to ceremoniously recount one's exploits in battle.

See also: count, coup