down to the short strokes
In the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We are down to the short strokes on this project.”
“After working on the house renovation for six months, we are finally down to the short strokes and should finish by Friday.”
“With the final legal documents being signed and the last few details settled, the long negotiation is finally down to the short strokes.”
disputed origin
The expression is of uncertain origin, with several competing theories regarding its development. It is often attributed to the discipline of painting, where a finished work requires final, meticulous strokes of the brush to achieve completion. A similar case is made for the game of golf, where a player concludes the play of each hole by abandoning the long drive in favour of the shorter, more precise strokes of the putter.
Alternatively, the phrase is linked to competitive swimming. A swimmer approaching the wall to either turn or finish may employ a shorter stroke to facilitate a smoother transition or a faster conclusion to the heat. Each theory presents the short stroke as the final, necessary adjustment before a task is considered done.
- 01
a day late and a dollar short
Too late and too feeble to achieve the desired effect.
- 02
a short drop and a sudden stop
A fall to one's death by hanging.
- 03
broad strokes
Major features or key points; outline.
- 04
caught short
unprepared or without enough of something when it is needed
- 05
draw the short straw
To be selected to do an undesirable task (by drawing the shortest straw or otherwise).
- 06
fall short
To be less satisfactory than expected; to be inadequate or insufficient.
- 07
few sandwiches short of a picnic
Exhibiting disquiet or unsoundness of mind; not sane; mad.
- 08
have someone by the short and curlies
Synonym of have someone by the short hairs.
Last updated August 10, 2026