coup

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♦ coup /k'uː/ (coups)
1 [N-COUNT]
When there is a coup, a group of people seize power in a country.
...a military coup...
They were sentenced to death for their part in April's coup attempt.
= coup d'état
2 [N-COUNT]
A coup is an achievement which is thought to be especially good because it was very difficult.
The sale is a big coup for the auction house...coup d'état /k'uː deɪt'ɑː/ (coups d'état)
[N-COUNT]
When there is a coup d'état, a group of people seize power in a country.
= coupcoup de grace /k'uː də gr'ɑːs/
[N-SING]
A coup de grace is an action or event which finally destroys something, for example an institution, which has been gradually growing weaker. (FORMAL)
Irving Kristol delivered the coup de grace in a letter dated June 12: they had decided to reject the proposal.
= death blow

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