coup de théâtre

US: (ko̅o̅d^ə tā ä′tr^ə)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

coup de thé•â•tre  (ko̅o̅d^ə tā ä′tr^ə), pl. coups de thé•â•tre (ko̅o̅d^ə tā ä′tr^ə). [French.]

1. a surprising or unexpected turn of events in a play.
2. a sensational and unexpected turn in the plot of a drama.
3. any theatrical trick intended to have a sensational effect.