|
Home
|
Jul 22, 2011
This week's themeWords of French origin This week's words nouveau riche voulu mise en scene pur sang coup de main This week's comments AWADmail 473 Next week's theme Animal-related words that are used metaphorically 
Discuss
Feedback
RSS/XML
A.Word.A.Day
with Anu Gargcoup de main
PRONUNCIATION:
(kood-uh-MAN*)
[* the last syllable is nasal]
MEANING:
noun: A surprise attack or sudden action.
ETYMOLOGY:
From French, literally "blow of the hand" (as opposed to from the
artillery). Earliest documented use: 1759.
USAGE:
"This astonishing coup de main had results which were decisive on the
development of the first day's fighting."Major John Howard: Obituary; The Times (London, UK); May 7, 1999. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Ideas that enter the mind under fire remain there securely and for ever. -Leon Trotsky, revolutionary and writer (1879-1940)
|
|
Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise
© 1994-2024 Wordsmith