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masterstroke

masterstroke

4 7.3
A very clever action that succeeds and helps a lot
  • noun
  • /ˈmæstərˌstroʊk/
translation icon : maestría
  • The use of crisis diplomacy to threaten North Korea's withdrawal from the NPT proved to be a masterstroke.

And then his masterstroke was he employed a guy called David Tomlin, who was a first assistant director.

Examples

  • One thing seems very clear—we pulled off a masterstroke getting Martinez before he tore it up at the London Olympics.

    Blog text (4)
  • Segal's selection as the campaign's frontman was a masterstroke.

    Academic text (2013)
  • I have to tell you, going down to see him this morning was a masterstroke.

  • If they did that on purpose, it was a masterstroke.

    Blog text (32)
  • I must say, it really was a masterstroke on your part staging that escape.

  • But the film's masterstroke was in the casting of Robert Downey Jr.

    Blog text (21)
  • Rhee's plan was hailed as a masterstroke.

    Blog text (13)
  • Placing Bosnia in 1878 under Austro-Hungarian management was a masterstroke that, for a few decades, gave Bosnia excellent government and at the same time helped avert international rivalry and war.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Staging the charity event in that unique location was a real masterstroke that impressed everyone.

  • His decision to switch the strategy last minute proved to be a brilliant masterstroke during the presentation.

Synonyms

tour de force
vsmasterstroke
  • Literature
7 8.0

An impressive achievement that shows great skill

focuses more on clever practical effect and achieving a clear result
stroke of brilliance
vsmasterstroke
1 6.0

A sudden clever idea or action that solves a problem

is a lasting effective achievement rather than a brief sudden insight

Antonyms

557 1.3

Not reaching what was planned or expected

7 4.4

To make a careless mistake by acting or speaking without thinking

How Skillful

masterstroke
4 7.3
coup
  • Literature
29 7.0
feat
108 3.8
move
1.1

Surface Forms

masterstroke singular
masterstrokes plural

Morphology

masterstroke = master + stroke (transparent) = master + stroke

A clear compound 'master' + 'stroke' meaning a 'stroke' done with great skill; learners who know both components can readily infer the sense.

Etymology

The word masterstroke comes from putting together master ('an expert') and stroke ('a single strong move', like a brush stroke in painting or a sudden clever action). So a masterstroke is a single brilliant action by someone skilled that solves a big problem.