💥 Coup de Grâce: The Ultimate Finishing Stroke 🎯
Coup de grâce - Finishing stroke. The phrase is French for “blow of mercy,” a death blow administered to end a wounded person’s suffering. It likely originated in dueling or other forms of sword fighting and had been adopted into English by around 1700. Over time, it began being used figuratively to describe the finishing stroke for any kind of enterprise.
Example: “He carefully placed the figures of bride and groom on top of the cake, the coup de grâce for an artistic creation.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Finale: The last part of a performance, show, or piece of music which is often bombastic and conclusive.
- Grand Finale: The big, impressive end, often in fireworks displays and other performances.
- Killer Blow: The decisive blow that finishes a situation, much like a coup de grâce but less elegant.
- Last Straw: The final small problem or burden that causes a major reaction, usually negative.
Proverbs and Common Phrases:
- “The Last Nail in the Coffin”: Similar to coup de grâce, it signifies the final thing that leads to a failure or metaphorical death of a situation.
- “Put to Bed”: To finish something effectively and decisively.
- “Sealed the Deal”: Finalized, much like adding the final touch that ensures closure.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “In a duel of wits, I always administer the coup de grâce; pity my opponent is usually unarmed.” - Unknown
- “Adding that extra cherry on top – it’s my specialty in delivering the coup de grâce in dessert battles!” - A Baker’s Confession
Inspirational Proverbs:
- “The art of finishing is no less impressive than the art of beginning.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Suggested Literature, Songs, and Movies:
- Books:
- The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
- Essays by Michel de Montaigne – for a brush with French elegance.
- Songs:
- “The Final Countdown” by Europe
- “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
- Movies:
- Kill Bill - appropriate, considering the deadly arts.
- The Prestige - ending with an unforgettable finishing stroke.
Farewell Thought: Always remember, delivering your coup de grâce isn’t just about ending something but ending it well!
### What does "coup de grâce" most accurately translate to?
- [x] Blow of mercy
- [ ] Blow of happiness
- [ ] Final celebrate
- [ ] Gentle caress
> **Explanation:** "Coup de grâce" translates accurately to "blow of mercy," indicating a final act of kindness or elimination.
### Which phrase conveys a similar concept to "coup de grâce"?
- [x] Last nail in the coffin
- [ ] Beginner's luck
- [ ] Head in the clouds
- [ ] All thumbs
> **Explanation:** "Last nail in the coffin" similarly signifies a final, decisive action that concludes a situation.
### True or False: "Coup de grâce" could be used to describe the final touch on a beautifully decorated cake.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! Figuratively, "coup de grâce" can describe the final, crowning touch on something, such as the last detail on a cake.
