Word: Coup de grâce
Definition:
"Coup de grâce" is a French term that means "a final blow or action that brings about the end of something, often in a merciful way." It is often used to describe a situation where someone is put out of their misery or suffering after a long struggle.
Usage Instructions:
- You can use "coup de grâce" in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in discussions about life, death, or significant endings. - It is typically used as a noun.
Example:
- After the long battle, the general ordered a coup de grâce for the wounded soldiers, ending their suffering.
Advanced Usage:
- In literature or discussions, "coup de grâce" can also refer to a final action that decisively ends a situation, not just related to death. - For example: "The company's decision to lay off employees was the coup de grâce for its already struggling reputation."
Word Variants:
- There are no direct variants of "coup de grâce," but you might see it used in different contexts (e.g., "the coup de grâce of the debate").
Different Meanings:
- While it primarily refers to a final act that ends suffering, it can also figuratively refer to the last event in a series that leads to failure or defeat.
Synonyms:
- Final blow - Death blow - Finishing touch (in a non-literal sense)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no idioms or phrasal verbs that directly translate to "coup de grâce," but you might encounter phrases such as "the last straw," which refers to the final event that causes someone to react strongly or give up.
Summary:
"Coup de grâce" is a term used to describe a final act that ends suffering or a situation, often in a merciful way.