noun

coup

coup, successful move, masterstroke

The general led a military coup.

The general led a military coup.

It was a major coup to get that interview.

It was a major coup to get that interview.

a military/bloodless/etc. coup a sudden, illegal seizure of power The army attempted a coup.

a ((adjective)) coup a successful achievement Getting the tickets was quite a coup.

Synonyms: takeover, overthrow, achievement, triumph

From French 'coup', meaning 'a blow' or 'a strike'. Often short for 'coup d'état' (blow of state).

Think of a 'scoop' in journalism. Getting a big 'scoop' is a 'coup' for the reporter.

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