master-stroke
(ˈmɑːstəstrəʊk)
[See master n.1 26 a. Cf. G. meisterstreich.]
1. A masterly line or touch (in painting, etc.); also transf.
| 1679 Dryden Tr. & Cr. Prol. 14 In this my rough-drawn play you shall behold Some Master-strokes. 1690 in E. Waller Poems II. Pref. sig. A5, Some Painters will hit the chief Lines, and master strokes of a Face so truly, that [etc.]. 1784 Cowper Task ii. 398, I would trace His master-strokes, and draw from his design. 1867 Emerson May-Day 108 And in their vaunted works of Art, The master-stroke is still her part. |
2. A masterly exertion of skill; a surpassingly skilful act (of cunning, diplomacy, policy, etc.); one's cleverest move or device. (Cf. F. coup de maître.)
| 1711 W. King tr. Naude's Ref. Politics ii. 59 In these masterstrokes of state, the thunderbolt falls before the noise of it is heard. 1712 Blackmore Creat. vi. 695 The..stupendous Art, And Master-strokes in each Mechanick Part. 1762–71 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Paint. (1786) IV. 87 The steeple..is a master-stroke of absurdity. 1768 Goldsm. Good-n. Man i. i, There's my master-stroke. I have resolved not to refuse her. 1825 Cobbett Rur. Rides (1885) I. 404 This was a master-stroke on the part of France. 1849 Thackeray Lett. 4 Sept., A master-stroke of diplomacy. |