We are down to the short strokes on this project.
down to the short strokes
idiomIn the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.
Origin
disputed originPossibly an allusion to painting, in which a painter typically finishes a work with short, careful, finishing strokes of the paint brush, or to golf, in which a player concludes each hole by making short strokes with a putter. In swimming competition, as a swimmer nearly reaches a wall to turn or to finish, the competitor might take a shorter stroke to start the turn smoothly, or to finish faster.
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.
- 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.