stroke (redirected from never does a stroke of work)

broad (brush) strokes

if you describe a situation with broad strokes, you describe it in a very general way without giving any details. The novel's historical background is filled in with broad brush strokes. In a few broad strokes he summed up his beliefs.

See also: broad

(It's) different strokes for different folks. (mainly American)

something that you say which means that different people like or need different things. I've never enjoyed winter sports, but different strokes for different folks.

See also: different

put someone off their stride (British, American & Australian, British & Australian)

to take someone's attention away from what they are doing so they are not able to do it well. She was making funny faces at me, trying to put me off my stroke. When I'm playing chess, the slightest noise can put me off my stride.

See also: stride

a stroke of luck

something good that happens to you by chance. Phil was driving up to Manchester that evening and gave me a lift so that was a stroke of luck. By a stroke of luck, someone at work happened to be selling very cheaply exactly the piece of equipment that I needed.

See also: luck

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different strokes (for different folks)

different things are done or liked by different people. The man walks backward for exercise. Different strokes for different folks!

See also: different

in broad strokes

in a general way, without giving details. Mostly, he talked in broad strokes about how his faith supports him every day.

Etymology: based on the idea of painting with broad strokes (= wide marks made with a wide brush)

See also: broad

in one stroke

immediately. In one stroke, farmers will go from $100,000 in revenues to nothing.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the forms at a (single) stroke or in a stroke: Rejecting the treaty would undo years of effort in a stroke.

a stroke of luck

something good that happens to you when you do not expect it. To walk in and get a job like that was an incredible stroke of luck.

See also: luck