🎯 Finishing Stroke: The Final Flourish 🚀
“Finishing stroke” originates from the French phrase “coup de grâce,” which directly translates to “blow of mercy.” Originally a term for a death blow that ends suffering, its metaphorical application has broadened to signify the final touch that completes any task or creation.
Definitions and Synonyms
- Coup de grâce: A final blow or shot given to kill a wounded person or animal; the finishing touch.
- Masterstroke: A significant, yet final brilliant act or move.
- Finale: The concluding part of a piece, performance, or event.
- Grand Finale: The impressive ending of a performance or event.
Humorous Quotes
“Every masterpiece requires a finishing stroke, but some mistakes shouldn’t be completed.”—An artist’s lament.
“I thought I was done until I put the cherry on top. That’s the finest ‘finishing stroke’ a cake can have!”
Proverbs and Common Phrases
- The icing on the cake: The final touch that makes something already good, even better.
- The grand finale: The final part of a something, particularly an event or piece of music.
- Stick a fork in me, I’m done: Often said when someone has completed something or is extremely tired.
Literature References
- “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes: Think of the countless strokes ending with the completing blow!
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Gatsby’s lavish lifestyle culminates in tragic finishing strokes.
Song Mentions
- “Closing Time” by Semisonic: Timing the final blow with closing bells.
- “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men: It’s metaphorical but delivers that final grace note.
Films with Grand Finishing Strokes
- “Inception”: The final tilt of the spinning top—a finishing stroke that leaves you questioning reality.
- “The Godfather”: Michael Corleone’s ascension culminating as the new Godfather—a true defeat and final strike.
Quizzes for Your Delight
### What does "finishing stroke" usually refer to in English?
- [x] A final touch to complete something.
- [ ] The start of a new beginning.
- [ ] A break for refreshments.
- [ ] Halfway accomplishment.
> **Explanation:** The "finishing stroke" refers to the final touch needed to complete a piece or task.
### Which phrase best represents "finishing stroke"?
- [x] Coup de grâce
- [ ] Half-baked
- [ ] Middle ground
- [ ] Early bird
> **Explanation:** "Coup de grâce" is a French phrase often used to denote a final touch, while the others don’t quite fit.
### What's a similar phrase to "finishing stroke"?
- [x] The icing on the cake
- [ ] Beginning of an era
- [ ] First step
- [ ] Halfway there
> **Explanation:** "The icing on the cake" symbolizes that final low-effort yet impactful completion stage, much like "finishing stroke."
### True or False: "Finishing stroke" is often used to describe a mistake.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** A finishing stroke is often used to signify completion in an elegant or perfect manner, not a mistake.
Bon voyage, dear reader! May your finishing strokes always strike the perfect balance between finesse and finality. Keep honing your craft, and may every endeavor culminate in unmatched brilliance!
Best Regards, A. C. Sketchwell
