sans coup férir

Il croyait gagner sans coup férir, mais son rival a résisté.
He thought he would win without a fight, but his rival resisted.
Le projet a été adopté sans coup férir, faute d'opposition.
The plan was approved without opposition, because no one objected.
L'équipe a remporté le match sans coup férir.
The team won the match without any resistance.
Elle a obtenu le poste sans coup férir.
She got the position without difficulty.
La ville fut prise sans coup férir.
The city was taken without a fight.

Similar words

sans résistance

sans opposition

sans difficulté

L'équipe a remporté le match sans coup férir.
The team won the match without any resistance.
La ville fut prise sans coup férir.
The city was taken without a fight.
Elle a obtenu le poste sans coup férir.
She got the position without difficulty.
Le projet a été adopté sans coup férir, faute d'opposition.
The plan was approved without opposition, because no one objected.
Il croyait gagner sans coup férir, mais son rival a résisté.
He thought he would win without a fight, but his rival resisted.

sans résistance

sans difficulté

sans opposition

The parts mean “without a blow struck.” Férir is an old verb meaning “to strike” that now survives chiefly in this expression.

What does sans coup férir mean?

It means without a fight or serious resistance.

Can sans coup férir describe a job competition?

Yes, if someone wins the position with little opposition.

Is sans coup férir literary?

Yes. It sounds elevated in ordinary conversation.

What does férir mean?

It is an old verb meaning “to strike”.

Does sans coup férir always refer to war?

No. It also describes easy victories in sport, work or politics.

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