not do a stroke (of work)

not do a stroke (of work)

To not do any work at all. Now that Jim's retired, he just spends all day on the couch watching television. He won't do a stroke of work around the house! I'm going to have a long night ahead with this term paper, as I haven't done a stroke up till now.See also: not, stroke

stroke of work

A small or insignificant amount of work. Almost always used in the negative to indicate that one has not done any work. Ryan is supposed to help me clean out the garage, but he hasn't done a stroke of work since he got here! I'm going to have a long night ahead with this term paper, as I haven't done a stroke of work up till now.See also: of, stroke, work

not (or never) do a stroke of work

do no work at all.See also: not, of, stroke, work

not do a ˈstroke (of ˈwork)

not do any work at all: He’s useless — he hasn’t done a stroke of work today. ♢ ‘Does your husband help in the house?’ ‘No, he doesn’t do a stroke.’ OPPOSITE: work like a dog/slave/TrojanSee also: not, stroke