side-stroke

A swimmer uses the side-stroke to move smoothly across the pool.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A swimming stroke: "side-stroke" refers to a swimming style where the swimmer lies on one side, using a scissor kick and alternating arm movements to propel through the water.
   • A blow to the side: In sports or combat, "side-stroke" can mean a strike delivered to the side of the body, particularly the ribs or flank.
   • An unexpected accident: In older or figurative usage, "side-stroke" denotes a sudden, unforeseen mishap or misfortune.

Usage Examples

• Swimming stroke:
  • She learned the side-stroke as a child because it allows her to keep one arm above the water. (A swimming style performed on one side.)
• Blow to the side:
  • The boxer landed a powerful side-stroke to his opponent's ribs. (A strike to the side of the body.)
• Unexpected accident:
  • The project was delayed by a side-stroke of bad luck. (An unforeseen mishap.)

Advanced Usage

• "to do the side-stroke": to swim using the side-stroke technique.
  • In the rescue, he did the side-stroke to tow the exhausted swimmer to shore. (He used this swimming style for efficiency.)

Variants and Related Words

• Side-stroker (n): a person who swims using the side-stroke.
  • The side-stroker glided effortlessly through the calm water. (Someone skilled in this swimming style.)

Synonyms

• Side stroke: an alternative spelling (often used interchangeably).
• Scissor kick stroke: a descriptive term for the leg movement in side-stroke swimming.
• Rib shot: a synonym for the blow to the side (less common).

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• "a side-stroke of fate": a sudden, unexpected turn of events, often negative.
  • His retirement was forced by a side-stroke of fate—a serious illness. (An unforeseen misfortune.)