coup de grâce
Say it: koo duh GRAHS /ˌkuː də ˈɡrɑːs/ · noun phrase
What “coup de grâce” means
The final blow that finishes something already failing.
More precisely: A final blow that ends something already failing.
Example: “The bad review was the coup de grâce for the struggling restaurant.”
When to use it
For the last setback that ends a struggling project or effort, usually dramatically in conversation or writing.
Similar words
death blow, finishing stroke, final blow
Where it comes from
French, 'stroke of mercy', originally a blow to end a wounded person's suffering.
Quick check
A club is already losing members when its venue closes, forcing it to shut down. The closure is…
a turning point or the coup de grâce?
Show the answer
the coup de grâce
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