A higher than normal level may be due to a number of health conditions. 1  Common causes include: 2  Being on bed rest for a long time. 3  Consuming too much calcium or vitamin D. 4  Hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make too much of their hormone; often associated with a low vitamin D level).
Definition of 'coup de grace'. coup de grace (ku dÉ grÉs ) A coup de grace is an action or event which finally destroys something, for example, an institution, which has been gradually growing weaker. Irving Kristol delivered the coup de grace in a letter dated June 12: they had decided to reject the proposal.
1640s, from French coup d'Ã©tate, literally stroke of the state (see coup). Technically any sudden, decisive political act but popularly restricted to the overthrow of a government. A quick and decisive seizure of governmental power by a strong military or political group. In contrast to a revolution, a coup d'Ã©tat, or coup, does not involve a mass uprising. Rather, in the typical coup, a small group of politicians or generals arrests the incumbent leaders, seizes the national radio and television services, and proclaims itself in power.