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

A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and time in which it is used.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.