throw a coup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “throw a coup” is not correct in written English.
In this context, the phrase “throw a coup” is not used – “coup” typically refers to a sudden, illegal, and often violent taking of power from a government. Instead, you can use the phrase “throw a party” to mean having a celebration or gathering of people. For example, “I'm going to throw a party this weekend to celebrate my birthday.”.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Initially brushed off by the WWE as not being the right guy to be "the guy" holding its WWE Championship on TV each week, a tattooed and lean-looking Punk used his candid skills with a microphone to throw a coup within the company, spilling backstage secrets in revolutionary in-ring promos that blended off-screen reality with on-screen fiction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This might make a coup less likely.

The Economist

His accusations threw a spotlight on swirling rumors that the military might have plotted a coup after being humiliated by the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

The New York Times

ALBANY — In the week since the State Senate was thrown into disarray by a coup that left Democrats and Republicans fighting over who is in charge, the Capitol has taken on the air of a tragic comedy.

The New York Times

Though Mr. Paterson said he would halt the disbursement of funding for all such projects, known as member items, their funding for the 2009-10 fiscal year has already been held up since June 8, when a coup threw the Senate's leadership into disarray.

The New York Times

He was thrown out briefly in a coup last year, but the coup collapsed when it became clear that the old corrupt elites were going to return to their money-grabbing ways and would take their time restoring democracy.

Forbes

Nawaz Sharif has a long and turbulent history with the army, having been thrown out of power in a coup by the then army chief, Pervez Musharraf, in 1999.

The Guardian

Eleven months after Truman's speech, in February , 1948 Czech Communists staged a coup and threw the Foreign Minister, Jan Masaryk, out a window of the Czernin Palace.* The United States did not intervene.

The New Yorker

In 1969, following a coup, Qaddafi threw his weight behind the movement.

Vice

'Nawaz Sharif felt it would not be possible for anyone else to represent him.' Now Sharif, who was over thrown in a military coup in October, is also facing two separate accusations of corruption at different courts.

The Guardian

A coup in 658 threw off Northumbrian overlordship and established Wulfhere as king.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "throw a coup". Use standard phrases like "stage a coup" or "launch a coup" to describe the act of initiating a coup.

Common error

The verb "throw" is typically associated with physical objects or events like "throwing a ball" or "throwing a party". Using it with "coup" is grammatically incorrect. Use verbs like "stage", "launch", or "execute" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw a coup" functions as an incorrect expression attempting to describe the action of initiating or executing a coup. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is not correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "throw a coup" is considered grammatically incorrect. While there is one example of its usage in Ludwig, Ludwig AI confirms that this is not standard English. Instead, use established phrases like "stage a coup" or "launch a coup" to describe the act of initiating a coup. The incorrect verb choice makes the phrase unsuitable for formal or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stage a coup

This phrase is the correct and standard way to describe initiating a coup.

launch a coup

Similar to "stage a coup", this describes the act of starting a coup.

carry out a coup

This alternative emphasizes the execution of a coup.

plot a coup

Focuses on the planning and scheming involved in a coup.

attempt a coup

This denotes an effort to carry out a coup, regardless of success.

mount a challenge to leadership

A more general phrase indicating a challenge to authority, which may or may not be a coup.

undermine the government

Describes actions that weaken the government, potentially leading to a coup.

stir up rebellion

Suggests inciting unrest that could culminate in a coup.

lead an insurrection

Highlights the act of leading a revolt against established authority.

wrest control

Focuses on the act of seizing power, often through forceful means.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "throw a coup"?

The correct way to describe initiating a coup is to use phrases like "stage a coup" or "launch a coup".

Is "throw a coup" grammatically correct?

No, "throw a coup" is not grammatically correct. The verb "throw" is not typically used with the noun "coup".

What does it mean to "stage a coup"?

To "stage a coup" means to organize and carry out a sudden, illegal seizure of power from a government.

Can I use "throw" with other political terms?

It's generally not appropriate to use "throw" with most political terms involving power or governance. Stick to established verbs like "stage", "launch", "attempt" or "execute".