strike a stroke

Definitions

1. 1

   To hit (especially with a sword)

   To hit (especially with a sword); to successfully land a hit.

   • “Methinks,”—said he,—“it would be no great shame “If we should strike a stroke to set us free; […]”
2. 2

   To do something to support or defend (for) or to hinder or harm (at / against) something…

   To do something to support or defend (for) or to hinder or harm (at / against) something or someone.

   • You all consented unto Salisbury’s death, For none would strike a stroke in his revenge.
   • He saw his followers pining around him under the blighting malaria, wasting before an invisible enemy, and unable to strike a stroke in their own defence.
   • In the year ’45, my brother raised a part of the ‘Gregara,’ and marched six companies to strike a stroke for the good side;

The neighborhood

• synonymstrike a blow