master-stroke

The artist's final brushstroke was a master-stroke that completed the masterpiece.

Definition

Noun:
- A masterstroke refers to an exceptionally brilliant, skilful, or decisive action, plan, or achievement that demonstrates outstanding ability or cleverness. It often implies a single move that leads to a significant advantage or success.

Usage Examples

• (An extremely clever military action that achieved victory.)
• (A brilliant strategic choice that led to great success.)
• (A highly skilful and effective creative choice.)

Advanced Usage

• "a masterstroke of diplomacy": a highly skilful diplomatic action.
  • The peace treaty was a masterstroke of diplomacy that averted war. (A brilliant diplomatic achievement.)
• "a masterstroke of timing": an action taken at the perfect moment.
  • Releasing the product during the holiday season was a masterstroke of timing. (A clever decision based on optimal timing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Masterstroke (n): the same word, sometimes written without a hyphen as .
  • His masterstroke was to negotiate the deal in secret. (The hyphen is optional but common.)
• Masterful (adj): showing great skill or control.
  • Her masterful performance earned a standing ovation. (Skilful and commanding.)
• Masterpiece (n): a work of outstanding artistry or skill.
  • The painting is considered a masterpiece. (A work of genius, not necessarily a single action.)

Synonyms

• Coup: a sudden, brilliant, and successful move.
  • The takeover was a coup for the small company. (A masterstroke in business.)
• Tour de force: an impressive performance or achievement.
  • The speech was a tour de force of rhetoric. (A masterstroke of oratory.)
• Stroke of genius: an idea or action of exceptional brilliance.
  • Inventing the wheel was a stroke of genius. (A masterstroke of innovation.)

Related Idioms

• "A stroke of luck": an unexpected piece of good fortune (related but not identical).
  • Finding the money was a stroke of luck, not a masterstroke. (Luck versus skill.)
• "To pull off a masterstroke": to successfully execute a brilliant plan.
  • The CEO pulled off a masterstroke by merging with the competitor. (Achieved a clever strategic move.)