What does «tiro de gracia» mean in Spanish?
- A shot that is given to mercifully finish off a seriously wounded person, thus avoiding a long and painful agony. It is also called shot or merciful blow and coup de grace. It is applied to people and animals. It may be a coup de grace shot of mortally wounded civilians or soldiers, friend or foe, with or without the consent of the sufferer. In ancient times the coup de grace was given to badly wounded combatants and, before firearms, spears, swords, axes and stilettos (also called "misericords") were used; nowadays it is forbidden by the laws of war.
- Figuratively, the final event that brings about the end of something.
Examples of use in Spanish: "El negocio llevaba años con dificultades. El fuerte salto en los precios del petróleo fue el tiro de gracia".
- Figuratively, mercy to give someone a break, to relieve them of (supposed) suffering.