coup de grâce

coup de grace

An action or event that brings a swift end to suffering or a worsening situation. The phrase is French for "blow of mercy." The samurai delivered a merciful coup de grace to his mortally wounded enemy. The large class action lawsuit was the coup de grace that caused the failing company to finally go out of business.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Maverick	MAV-ə-rik	English
Smart	[smɑ:t]
Leontius	-	Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Theia	-	Greek Mythology
Allie	AL-ee	English
Kolleen	kah-LEEN	English (Rare)