coup de main
English
Etymology
Borrowed from French coup de main.
Noun
- a sudden development or action to surprise an enemy
- 1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, Volume the Second, page 78 →ISBN
- 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.
- 1857, Anthony Trollope, Barchester Towers, Volume the Second, page 78 →ISBN
French
Noun
coup de main m (plural coups de main)
- a helping hand (assistance)
- Tu pourrais me donner un coup de main pour ranger la cuisine, s'il-te-plaît ?
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