master stroke
Genius tactical decision
A master stroke is a supremely skillful action that achieves a decisive result—the kind of move that reveals exceptional ability or cunning.
The term comes from painting and other arts, where a single stroke of the brush might demonstrate mastery.
Now it applies to any brilliant maneuver: Hiring her rival was a master stroke.
Also spelled masterstroke.
Abrupt seizure of power
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- clincherFact that settles matters
turning point · checkmate · knockout · winning move · crowning achievement · finishing touch · victory · conquest
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- ingenuityClever, original thinking
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
- innovationCreating something original
virtuosity · expertise · cleverness · acumen · wizardry · flair · sophistication · creative leap
Risky opening for advantage
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- countermoveResponding strategic action
- calculated riskHazard taken deliberately
power play · strategic move · foresight · outmaneuvering · endgame · positioning · initiative · flanking
Painter's stroke method
- brushstrokeMark left by painter's tool
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
- chiaroscuroContrast technique in painting
impasto · flourish · virtuosity · rendering · detail work · signature style · palette knife · glazing
coup
Abrupt seizure of power
- triumphResounding, celebrated victory
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- breakthroughSudden important advance
clincher · turning point · checkmate · knockout · winning move · crowning achievement · finishing touch · victory · conquest · pinnacle
brilliance
Exceptional intelligence or luster
- ingenuityClever, original thinking
- inspirationSource of creative impulse
- insightDeep perceptive understanding
innovation · virtuosity · expertise · cleverness · acumen · wizardry · flair · sophistication · creative leap · inventiveness
gambit
Risky opening for advantage
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- countermoveResponding strategic action
calculated risk · power play · strategic move · foresight · outmaneuvering · endgame · positioning · initiative · flanking · surprise attack
brushwork
Painter's stroke method
- brushstrokeMark left by painter's tool
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
- compositionArranged elements forming whole
chiaroscuro · impasto · flourish · virtuosity · rendering · detail work · signature style · palette knife · glazing · linework
- special movescombo, finisher, power move, signature move, secret technique
- strokesbackstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, crawl, freestyle
- signature movesfinishing move, trademark, special attack, special move, signature move
- achievementsaccomplishment, achievement, accomplishments, achievements, triumph
master strokefatal error
Unrecoverable computing malfunction
own goal · fiasco · debacle · unforced error · epic fail