a double coup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a double coup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two significant achievements or successes occur simultaneously or in quick succession. Example: "The company's launch of two groundbreaking products in the same month was a double coup that surprised the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hiring Mr Duncan would be a double coup for ITV.

The Guardian

The G20 summit, which united the planet's most important leaders, achieved a double coup".

The Guardian

The production brings off a double coup: it is revolutionary alike in content and form.

The Guardian

As romantic in its aesthetic rapture as in its flavour of encircling doom, the story ends with a double coup.

Independent

One of the world's most aggressive literary agencies, overseen by super-agent Andrew Wylie, scored a double coup by taking over representation of deceased Chilean novelist Roberto Bolaño just as an unpublished novel by him was discovered.

The Guardian - Books

For Saddam Hussein this was a double coup, because the transplanted Kurds were Sunni while the Arabs among whom they would live were Shiite, a religious group disfavored by Mr. Hussein's regime.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The old establishment, including chunks of the royalist Democrat Party, which dominates politics in the south and in western parts of Bangkok, welcomes the "double coup" that ousted the Shinawatras as a necessary step to free the country from the grip of a populist authoritarian.

The Economist

Without a hint of apology or anxiety, she has returned with a double-barrelled coup: "Matangi" is an entirely coherent pop album that makes no concessions to anything currently popular in North America.

The New Yorker

Southern Mauritania, for example, is facing a double emergency, with an influx of refugees from the recent coup in Mali compounding the impact of the food crisis.

Unicef

We addressed the possible overlap between COUP-TFII and SF1 expression within the VMH with a double immunostaining for both proteins.

Plosone

A double.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "a dual triumph" or "a twofold victory" if the term "coup" seems too strong or politically charged for the intended context.

Common error

Avoid using "a double coup" in contexts where the term 'coup' might be misinterpreted as a violent or illegal seizure of power. Always ensure the context clarifies that it refers to a positive achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double coup" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes a situation with two significant achievements. It serves to highlight the simultaneous nature of two positive outcomes as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double coup" is a noun phrase used to describe two significant achievements or successes occurring simultaneously or in quick succession. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, particularly in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, its appropriateness varies depending on the audience and specific context. Alternatives like ""a dual triumph"" or ""a twofold victory"" may be considered for a more formal tone. Exercise caution in contexts where the term 'coup' might be misconstrued. Remember, the phrase's communicative power lies in emphasizing the magnitude and strategic nature of achieving two favorable outcomes, with sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dual triumph

Replaces "coup" with "triumph", emphasizing victory or success.

a twofold victory

Substitutes "coup" with "victory", and "double" with "twofold", stressing the winning aspect.

a significant double win

Replaces "coup" with "win", keeping the "double" modifier to indicate two successes.

a major accomplishment on two fronts

Rephrases the concept to highlight achievement in two different areas.

a remarkable double achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect, highlighting that it is a double.

an impressive pair of successes

Emphasizes the successful nature of the two events.

a fortunate combination of successes

Highlights the luck or good fortune associated with the two successes.

a masterstroke in two ways

Emphasizes the clever or skillful nature of achieving two successes.

a strategic advantage on two levels

Focuses on the strategic aspect, implying gains in two different areas.

an exceptional double play

Uses a sports metaphor to indicate a successful combination of actions.

FAQs

How can "a double coup" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a double coup" to describe a situation where two significant achievements occur at the same time. For example, "The new product launch and the expansion into overseas markets represented "a double coup" for the company".

What are some alternatives to "a double coup"?

Alternatives include "a dual triumph", "a twofold victory", or "a significant double win", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a double coup" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a double coup" is generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In highly formal settings, alternatives like "a major accomplishment on two fronts" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a double coup" and "a single coup"?

"A single coup" refers to one significant achievement, while "a double coup" signifies two distinct and notable successes happening concurrently or in close succession.