Associations to the word «Contretemps»
Wiktionary
CONTRETEMPS, noun. An unforeseen, inopportune, or embarrassing event; a hitch
CONTRETEMPS, noun. (fencing) An ill-timed pass.
Dictionary definition
CONTRETEMPS, noun. An awkward clash; "he tried to smooth over his contretemps with the policeman".
Wise words
Language is a process of free creation; its laws and
principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles
of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even
the interpretation and use of words involves a process of
free creation.