It can be used literally and was formerly used in reference to executions. The term is also often used in the context of politics. To those cheerfully spreading rumours about Labour MPs splitting to back the Prime Minister's deal for ulterior motives, they are talking total rubbish. The Prime Minister's deal is heading for another big defeat today, and it'll be Labour MPs that will deliver the coup de grace.

VOCAB BUILDER
coup de grace
Top definition. This phrase means "blow of mercy" in french, and is used to describe the deathblow intended to end the suffering of a mortally wounded victim. It can also be used figuratively to refer to a finishing touch of any sort. While the correct pronunciation is similar to "coo de grahce". It in english is usually pronounced as "coo de gra " The elven hero, upon seeing his former nemesis struggling for breath, performed a quick coup de grace, ending its suffering. George had never had much luck with these matters, and after all that'd happened, losing his wallet was the coup de grace that spurred him to tears. To achieve complete, argumental dominance in it's most pure form.
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To save this word, you'll need to log in. Synonyms Did You Know? In some contexts the term is used to refer to the final act of executing a convicted criminal. Send us feedback.