'masterstroke' originates from the combination of 'master' and 'stroke', where 'master' meant 'a person with the ability or power to control' and 'stroke' referred to 'a blow or hit'.

'masterstroke' evolved from the Middle English word 'maister stroke', which combined 'maister' (master) and 'stroke', eventually becoming the modern English word 'masterstroke'.

Initially, it meant 'a powerful or decisive blow', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an exceptionally skillful action'.