coup de thé|â|tre «KOO duh tay AH truh», French.
1. a sensational turn or trick in a play: »
The text exhibits in a high degree Verdi's weaknesses in mistaking coups de théâtre for drama (London Times).
2. any sudden action that produces a sensational effect.
3. (literally) stroke of theater.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.