Pulling a stroke

Pulling a stroke is a phrase mainly used in Ireland to describe an act of deceit performed for personal gain. Elsewhere, similar practices are referred to as "pulling a fast one". Successfully pulling a stroke is often seen in a positive light and the person is often commended or thought of highly, even if the act involves illegal activities. People who pull a stroke are sometimes seen as lovable rogues.

  • In the Winter of 2010 Irish-language broadcaster TG4 ran a 5-part series entitled "Stróc" (Stroke, in English) looking at notable strokes and stroke pullers in recent Irish history.[1] Although strokes are usually seen to be performed exclusively by Irish people, the Irish National Football Team's 2010 World Cup Qualification came undone as a direct result of a stroke, in this case pulled by Thierry Henry. The French scored the winning goal after Henry deliberately hand-balled in the build-up. Ironically the entire Irish nation was affected by (literally) a stroke of hand.
  • In the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses episode titled The Miracle of Peckham, the characters Rodney Trotter and Uncle Albert discuss why Rodney's brother Del Trotter has gone to church.
    • Rodney ponders:

"Last night he was talking about God, this morning he went to church, this afternoon he's seen a miracle, it can only mean one thing..."

    • To which Albert replies:

"He's caught religion!"

    • To which Rodney replies:

"No, he's pulling a stroke, in'he?"

See also

References
  1. "TG4 - Irish language television channel - Teilifis Gaeilge". Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2010-12-31.
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