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masterstroke

or mas·ter stroke

[ mas-ter-strohk, mah-ster- ]

/ ˈmæs tərˌstroʊk, ˈmɑ stər- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR masterstroke ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a masterly action or achievement; an extremely skillful or effective action: War was avoided by a masterstroke of diplomacy.

Origin of masterstroke

First recorded in 1670–80; master + stroke¹

Words nearby masterstroke

masterpiece, masters, mastership, mastersinger, masterson, masterstroke, masterwork, masterwort, mastery, masthead, mastic

Example sentences from the Web for masterstroke

If that was what was in his mind three years ago—it was a masterstroke and one that may end up prolonging his regime.

The Obama Administration Has Assad Amnesia |Jamie Dettmer |December 4, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Raising 9/11 at the debate as a psychic event rather than one of national security was a masterstroke that won the day.

McCain's Poignant Valedictory |Tina Brown |October 8, 2008 |DAILY BEAST
Or is the abrupt third line of Joachim's speech to be regarded as a masterstroke of characterisation?

Old Scores and New Readings |John F. Runciman
Oedipus by a masterstroke of art is made to imagine that she has departed in shame, fearing he may be proved the son of a slave.

Authors of Greece |T. W. Lumb

It was a masterstroke of the bold policy of the new Government.

A Fantasy of Far Japan |Baron Kencho Suyematsu
Then the old man pushed up the sleeves of his caftan, like one who prepares to execute a masterstroke.

The Baron's Sons |Mr Jkai
It was not a scheme generated in his teeming brain, like the strategy of a campaign, or a masterstroke of diplomacy.

Terre Napoleon |Ernest Scott

British Dictionary definitions for masterstroke

masterstroke

/ (ˈmɑːstəˌstrəʊk) /

noun

an outstanding piece of strategy, skill, talent, etc your idea is a masterstroke