Coup de grâce is a French term used in English to refer to a final blow or decisive act that brings an end to something, typically in the context of a struggle or battle. The literal translation of the term is "stroke of mercy" or "blow of grace."
In its original usage, coup de grâce specifically denoted the act of delivering a killing blow, often given as an act of mercy to end the suffering of a severely wounded or dying person or animal. However, over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader meaning, encompassing any action or event that delivers a decisive and final blow, typically resulting in the completion or termination of something.
In a metaphorical sense, coup de grâce can be used to describe an action or event that swiftly and emphatically ends a dispute, conflict, or process. It is often associated with a final act that irreversibly concludes a situation, leaving no possibility for further recovery or continuation. Its usage can range from personal conflicts, political power struggles, sporting events, or other situations that involve a decisive and definitive ending.
Overall, coup de grâce embodies the concept of a final decisive blow that terminates a struggle, renders an outcome, and solidifies an end. It portrays an act of mercy and grace while simultaneously sealing the fate of what it brings its conclusion to.
