coup de main

English

Etymology

Borrowed from French coup de main.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ku də meɪn/, /ku də mæn/

Noun

coup de main (plural coups de main)

1. A sudden development or action to surprise an enemy.

   Coordinate term: coup de force

   • 1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, volume II, →ISBN, page 78:

     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.

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ku d(ə) mɛ̃/

• Audio (Lyon):

  (file)

Noun

coup de main m (plural coups de main)

1. helping hand (assistance)

   Synonym: coup de pouce

   Tu pourrais me donner un coup de main pour ranger la cuisine, s’il-te-plaît ? ― Could you give me a hand cleaning the kitchen please?

2. dexterity, skill

   avoir le coup de main ― to have a deft hand

3. surprise attack, coup de main