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.

---

masterstroke British  

/ ˈmɑːstəˌstrəʊk /

noun

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

   your idea is a masterstroke

---

Etymology

Origin of masterstroke

First recorded in 1670–80; master + stroke ¹

Example Sentences

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

Holland's arrival as part of a coaching team that also includes former England international Jonathan Woodgate, former United defender Jonny Evans and the club's under-21 coach Travis Binnion has been viewed as a masterstroke.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 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

With their backs to the wall and the series on the line, England beefed up their spin arsenal and the move proved a masterstroke.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

But it is the masterstroke of the green spot, shining like a beacon in the middle of her forehead, that conveys the anguish of the girl’s confrontation with her inner self.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson