Coup de Grâce
idiom / noun /ˌkuː də ˈɡrɑːs/ — The final, decisive blow that ends something
Definition
The finishing blow or action that ends something — originally a mercy killing, now any decisive final act that terminates a struggle, argument, or situation. The coup de grâce is both an ending and a release.
Beyond the definition
Coup de grâce contains a paradox — it is grace in the act of killing. It names the moment when continuation would only be cruelty and the kindest thing is to end it cleanly. This applies to arguments, relationships, and failing projects alike.
Origin & history
French: 'stroke of grace' — a mercy killing. Originally the final blow to end the suffering of a fatally wounded soldier or animal. Now applied broadly to any decisive final action.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The final piece of evidence was the coup de grâce — the case collapsed entirely.
She delivered the coup de grâce so quietly that it took him a moment to realise it was over.
Sometimes the coup de grâce is mercy, not victory.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Coup de Grâce” when the meaning fits your context: The finishing blow or action that ends something — originally a mercy killing, now any decisive final act that terminates a struggle, argument, or situation. The coup de grâce is both an ending and a release.
Synonyms
finishing blow, decisive end, final act, mercy killing
Antonyms
continuation, prolonging, inconclusive
Related words
Coup de Grâce vs finish
A finish is the end of a process. A 'coup de grâce' is the definitive, merciful, or final blow that ends a long period of suffering or conflict.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Creamy Mixture Becoming Single Emulsion
A chef’s hand drizzles oil into whisked egg yolks in a metal bowl, the two becoming a smooth, creamy mixture.
The final addition of oil completes the transformation, ending the process of blending. A coup de grâce is this final, decisive act that terminates a struggle or situation, serving as both a conclusion and a successful release of effort.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Coup de Grâce" mean?
Coup de Grâce is idiom / noun meaning: The final, decisive blow that ends something. The finishing blow or action that ends something — originally a mercy killing, now any decisive final act that terminates a struggle, argument, or situation. The coup de grâce is both an ending and a release.
Where does the word "Coup de Grâce" come from?
French: 'stroke of grace' — a mercy killing. Originally the final blow to end the suffering of a fatally wounded soldier or animal. Now applied broadly to any decisive final action.