masterstroke

American  

[mas-ter-strohk, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tərˌstroʊk, ˈmɑ stər- /

Or master stroke

noun

1. a masterly action or achievement; an extremely skillful or effective action.

   War was avoided by a masterstroke of diplomacy.

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masterstroke British  

/ ˈmɑːstəˌstrəʊk /

noun

1. an outstanding piece of strategy, skill, talent, etc

   your idea is a masterstroke

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Etymology

Origin of masterstroke

First recorded in 1670–80; master + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

But the move appears to have been a masterstroke.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

At the time it was billed as a public relations masterstroke for the monarchy, which was now modernizing by welcoming a mixed-race American celebrity into its ranks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

This hire is either a masterstroke that fuels the Trojans’ return to glory — or the point of no return for a head coach desperate to prove he’s not just a one-dimensional offensive savant.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

It was a masterstroke, with the paceman removing Rohit in the first over of his second spell -- Hazlewood collecting a mis-timed pull shot in the deep.

From Barron's • Oct. 23, 2025

Roiben’s joining the High Court of Elfhame is widely considered to be a masterstroke of diplomacy, negotiated by Prince Dain against Madoc’s wishes.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black