One would not ordinarily relish being asked to apply a coup
de grâce,
which is a blow of mercy to end suffering.
It is mystifying then, that someone who has nearly murdered a dish —
such as this ham and lima bean concoction — would apply their own coup de
grâce
in the form of the grated cheese (or whatever that is) that makes it finally,
and completely inedible.
Meat Cook
Book, Better Homes and Gardens, 1965
Also from this book: Beware the Franks, Salami Bouquet