coup de Jarnac

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treacherous blow, low blow
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/ku də ʒaʁ.nak/
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An unexpected blow felt to be unfair or treacherous.
Practice using coup de Jarnac in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • La suppression soudaine du financement a été un coup de Jarnac pour l'association.
    The sudden funding cut was a treacherous blow to the charity.
  • La révélation, faite à la veille du procès, ressemblait à un coup de Jarnac.
    The disclosure, made on the eve of the trial, looked like a low blow.
  • Changer les règles après le vote serait un véritable coup de Jarnac.
    Changing the rules after the vote would be a real act of betrayal.
  • Ses partenaires l'ont accusé de leur porter un coup de Jarnac.
    His partners accused him of dealing them a treacherous blow.
  • Il a vécu cette annonce tardive comme un coup de Jarnac.
    He experienced the late announcement as a low blow.

Similar words

coup de traître
coup bas
trahison

Meanings

Treacherous surprise blow

conflict
literary
An unexpected action that harms someone and is seen as unfair or disloyal, especially when the person cannot readily defend against it.

Examples

  • La suppression soudaine du financement a été un coup de Jarnac pour l'association.
    The sudden funding cut was a treacherous blow to the charity.
  • Il a vécu cette annonce tardive comme un coup de Jarnac.
    He experienced the late announcement as a low blow.
  • Changer les règles après le vote serait un véritable coup de Jarnac.
    Changing the rules after the vote would be a real act of betrayal.
  • Ses partenaires l'ont accusé de leur porter un coup de Jarnac.
    His partners accused him of dealing them a treacherous blow.
  • La révélation, faite à la veille du procès, ressemblait à un coup de Jarnac.
    The disclosure, made on the eve of the trial, looked like a low blow.

Similar words

coup bas
coup de traître
trahison

Etymology

Named for a 1547 duel in which Guy Chabot de Jarnac disabled his opponent with an unexpected strike to the leg. The strike was judged lawful then, although the expression later came to suggest treachery.

FAQ

What is a coup de Jarnac?

An unexpected action regarded as a treacherous blow.

Who was Jarnac?

Guy Chabot de Jarnac, who won a famous duel in 1547.

Was his actual strike against the rules?

No, contemporary accounts judged it lawful.

Is the expression always about fighting?

No, it is commonly used for political or personal manoeuvres.

Why is Jarnac capitalized?

It is a person's name.

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