at a stroke
In one action
At a stroke means all at once, in a single action or moment.
The phrase emphasizes sudden, complete change—often dramatic: The new policy eliminated thousands of jobs at a stroke.
It suggests something accomplished instantly rather than gradually, typically by a decisive act of authority or fate.
- one fell swoopSingle sudden action
- instantaneousHappening without any delay
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- snap decisionInstant, unreflective determination
- all at onceOccurring without gradual buildup
conclusive · sudden · in one go · single blow · effective · immediate · expeditious · quick fix · transformations · eliminations · cut through · in a flash · bold · bold move · abrupt · swift · in a heartbeat · rapid
manner of change/action
at a strokegradually
In slow stages
incrementally · step by step · little by little · bit by bit · slowly
decisiveness/effort
at a strokepainstakingly
With extreme thoroughness
laboriously · with great difficulty · methodically · systematically