un coup d'œil
Grammar & Usage
How it works
An idiomatic masculine noun phrase formed by 'coup' (stroke/blow/strike), the elided preposition 'de', and 'œil' (eye). It functions syntactically as a countable noun and is most commonly used as the direct object of verbs like 'jeter' (to cast/take a look). Pluralization affects only the first component ('des coups d'œil').
Sample sentences
Peux-tu jeter un coup d'œil à mon rapport avant la réunion ?
Can you take a quick look at my report before the meeting?
Au premier coup d'œil, la maison semblait complètement abandonnée.
At first glance, the house seemed completely abandoned.
Ce panorama exceptionnel vaut vraiment le coup d'œil.
This exceptional view is definitely worth a look.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
Sign in for a creative sound-alike story that makes "un coup d'œil" unforgettable 🧠
Get an AI-generated memory hook for un coup d'œil — a vivid scene that locks the word in your brain 🧠
Example
Peux-tu jeter un coup d'œil à mon rapport avant la réunion ?
Can you take a quick look at my report before the meeting?
Au premier coup d'œil, la maison semblait complètement abandonnée.
At first glance, the house seemed completely abandoned.
Sign in for AI-generated examples tailored to your level ✨