masterstroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "masterstroke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a skillful action or decision that is likely to produce a desired result. For example: "The CEO's masterstroke of lowering prices was a huge success, leading to a dramatic spike in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The recruitment of Rob Jones was a masterstroke worthy of a club that had a rich tradition of mining gems from the lower leagues.

The Guardian - Sport

The government's sweeping anti-terror legislation, seen as a political masterstroke when introduced, ultimately inspired a massive outcry that echoed from every establishment pulpit in the country.

The Guardian

Back in 1997, Australia's delegation pulled what they saw as a masterstroke during post-midnight negotiations on the final day in Japan.

The Guardian

Not quite a masterstroke on Hodgson's part, but not far off and fully justifying the manager's belief that Sweden might be susceptible to defending crosses.

The Guardian - Sport

Our director's masterstroke for Merchant was a mime sequence to open the play - Bassanio striding on to gaze at Portia's portrait, Shylock jangling a money pouch from a balcony window, Antonio scanning the horizon with a telescope for his fleet of ships - each character miming a silent vignette of their forthcoming journey through the play, all to a tape of olde worlde crumhorn music.

The Guardian

Later, after Europe's American opponents had been smoothly despatched, McGinley's ploy was hailed as a masterstroke of organisation.

The Guardian

Sir Walter Scott pretty much invented historical fiction and, indeed, historical Scotland; his masterstroke was getting the Prince Regent to wear tartan on a visit to Edinburgh, reconciling Hanoverian and Jacobite traditions with a healthy dose of pantomime.

The Guardian - Books

The World Series Cup was their masterstroke though.

The Guardian - Sport

Retiring from the game when she knew she had made the final was a masterstroke - all that publicity and she gets to stay in lovely Exeter rather than move to Brentwood.

The Guardian

But the creation of a "cop on the corner" of Wall Street in the shape of the Securities and Exchange Commission SECC) proved to be a masterstroke, greatly increasing public faith in America's capital markets.Today, Wall Street once again faces both a prolonged slump in business and the prospect of punishment and further regulation.

The Economist

Google's masterstroke has been to offer readers ways to access its literary trove that established e-book sellers have shunned.The first two rely on Adobe's content-packaging system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "masterstroke" when you want to emphasize not just success, but the ingenuity and exceptional skill that led to it.

Common error

Avoid using "masterstroke" to describe ordinary successes. Reserve it for situations where the action truly demonstrates exceptional skill or artistry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "masterstroke" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific action or decision lauded for its exceptional skill. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it highlights a noteworthy accomplishment. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "masterstroke" is a noun phrase used to describe an exceptionally skillful action or decision, as validated by Ludwig. Its grammatical function is primarily as a noun, and its purpose is to applaud ingenuity. While suitable for various contexts, it leans towards a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance and grammatical correctness. It's crucial to reserve its use for truly remarkable actions, as overuse in mundane contexts can diminish its impact. Remember to consider alternatives like "stroke of genius" or "brilliant maneuver" for nuanced expression. With its frequent appearance in news and media, recognizing and appropriately using "masterstroke" enhances your understanding and communication in diverse professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brilliant maneuver

Emphasizes the tactical and strategic aspect of the action.

stroke of genius

Highlights the intellectual and innovative nature of the act.

inspired move

Focuses on the spark of creativity behind the action.

ingenious feat

Stresses the cleverness and skill involved in achieving something remarkable.

deft accomplishment

Highlights the skill and precision of the achievement.

clever ploy

Implies a cunning and strategic aspect to the action, often with a hint of manipulation.

shrewd tactic

Emphasizes the astuteness and practical wisdom behind the chosen strategy.

astute move

Focuses on the wisdom and insight demonstrated by the action.

triumph of skill

Highlights the victory achieved through exceptional ability.

remarkable achievement

Focuses on the praiseworthy aspect of a hard-won success.

FAQs

How can I use "masterstroke" in a sentence?

Use "masterstroke" to describe an action, plan, or decision that demonstrates exceptional skill and achieves a remarkable result. For example, "Hiring the new CEO was a "masterstroke" that revitalized the company."

What are some synonyms for "masterstroke"?

Alternatives to "masterstroke" include "stroke of genius", "brilliant maneuver", and "inspired move". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "masterstroke" a formal or informal term?

"Masterstroke" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more commonly found in news, media, and business writing, suggesting a slightly elevated register.

When is it appropriate to use "masterstroke"?

Use "masterstroke" when you want to highlight not just success, but the brilliance, skill, and strategic thinking that contributed to that success. It implies a high level of ingenuity and a significant positive impact.