Definition Of Coup De Tonnerre

Coup de Tonnerre

Definition of Coup de Tonnerre

Coup de tonnerre is a French phrase that means "clap of thunder." It is often used figuratively to refer to a sudden, unexpected event that has a profound impact.

Figurative Meaning of Coup de Tonnerre

In a figurative sense, coup de tonnerre can refer to any event that is unexpected and has a significant impact.

• For example, a coup d'état, or sudden overthrow of a government, could be described as a coup de tonnerre.
• Similarly, the sudden outbreak of war or a natural disaster could also be described as a coup de tonnerre.

The key element of a coup de tonnerre is the element of surprise and the significant impact it has.

Coup de Tonnerre in English

In English, coup de tonnerre can be translated as "thunderbolt" or "bolt from the blue." Both of these phrases convey the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.

Examples of Coup de Tonnerre

• The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was a coup de tonnerre that led to the outbreak of World War I.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union was a coup de tonnerre that changed the course of history.
• The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a coup de tonnerre that had a profound impact on the world.

Conclusion

Coup de tonnerre is a powerful phrase that can be used to describe a wide range of events that are sudden, unexpected, and have a significant impact. It is a phrase that is often used in journalism and history to describe events that have shaped the course of human events.