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Definition 2024


down_to_the_short_strokes

down to the short strokes

English

Adjective

down to the short strokes

  1. (idiomatic) In the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
    • 1992, "Bembenek Doe near completion," Milwaukee Sentinel, 10 June, p. 12A (retrieved 29 May 2009):
      "I would say we are down to the short strokes, down to the cleanup phase" of the investigation, said E. Campion Kersten, a Fox Point lawyer.

Adverb

down to the short strokes

  1. (idiomatic) To the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
    • 1960, Arthur Edson, "Lyndon's Knack Gets Test," Milwaukee Sentinal, 14 July., p. 7 (retrieved 29 May 2009):
      "You should never count Lyndon out," Nixon said. "When it comes down to the short strokes, there's no one who can handle them better than Lyndon Johnson.
    • 1995, William Safire, "Essay: Reading Bill's Mind," New York Times, 26 June (retrieved 29 May 2009):
      When the budget negotiations get down to the short strokes in October, should I cave or take the "train wreck"?
    • 2003, "Angry Tories protest outside Harper-MacKay meeting," CTV.ca/Canadian Press, 13 Nov. (retrieved 29 May 2009):
      Anyone who wants to vote on delegates who will then decide whether to ratify the deal must have a membership by the end of this week. "It's getting down to the short strokes," MacKay said.

Synonyms