coup de theatre

coup de thé·â·tre  (k d t-ätr)

n. pl. coups de théâtre (k)

1. A sudden dramatic turn of events in a play.

2. An unexpected and sensational event, especially one that reverses or negates a prevailing situation.

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[French : coup, stroke + de, of + théâtre, theater.]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	coup de theatre - a dramatic surprise surprise - a sudden unexpected event
	2.	coup de theatre - a sensational bit of stagecraft stagecraft - skill in writing or staging plays production - a presentation for the stage or screen or radio or television; "have you seen the new production of Hamlet?"
	3.	coup de theatre - a highly successful theatrical production staging, theatrical production - the production of a drama on the stage