coup de maitre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “coup de maitre” mean?
A masterstroke.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A masterstroke; a masterful or brilliantly skillful move or achievement.
A definitive action that demonstrates consummate skill and secures a decisive advantage or result, often in a competitive or artistic context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, reflecting a stronger tradition of borrowing French terms. American English might more readily use 'masterstroke'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes sophistication and high skill. Its French origin adds a layer of cultural refinement or intellectual weight.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both regions; found primarily in written, often journalistic or critical, contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coup de maitre” in a Sentence
to pull off a coup de maitrea coup de maitre of [noun]a coup de maitre by [agent]Her latest novel is a coup de maitre.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing a brilliant strategic acquisition or deal that outmaneuvers competitors.
Academic
Referring to a groundbreaking paper or argument that redefines a field.
Everyday
Rarely used; might describe an ingeniously solved domestic problem.
Technical
In fields like chess, military strategy, or architecture, denoting a perfect, decisive move or design solution.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coup de maitre”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coup de maitre”
- Misspelling as 'coup de metre' or 'coup de matre'.
- Using it to describe a lucky break rather than a skillful act.
- Mispronouncing 'maitre' as 'may-ter' without the French nuance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'coup d'état' is a sudden, violent seizure of government power. A 'coup de maitre' is a masterstroke of skill in any field, with no inherent political or violent connotation.
It is commonly italicised in formal writing to mark it as a foreign phrase, though as it becomes more assimilated, the italics are sometimes dropped.
Yes, though rare. The plural is 'coups de maitre' (pronounced similarly). Example: 'His career is marked by several coups de maitre.'
A 'coup de maitre' is a single, defining masterstroke, often with strategic or competitive overtones. A 'tour de force' is a performance or achievement demonstrating great skill or brilliance, but it can be a sustained effort (like a whole novel or symphony) rather than a single move.
A masterstroke.
Coup de maitre is usually formal, literary in register.
Coup de maitre: in British English it is pronounced /kuː də ˈmeɪ.trə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kuː də ˈmeɪ.trər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “checkmate move (chess metaphor)”
- “ace up one's sleeve (though this implies a hidden resource)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MASTER (maitre) who delivers the final, winning COUP (blow/strike) in a game of skill.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS WAR/CHESS (a decisive, skillful strike).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'coup de maitre' be LEAST appropriate?