Pulling a stroke

Pulling a stroke is an English phrase, mainly used in Ireland and the United Kingdom, 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 popular culture
* In 2010, Irish-language broadcaster TG4 ran a 5-part series entitled "Stróc" ('stroke', in English) looking at "some of Ireland's most famous 'strokes' in politics, sport and public life".
* In the 1980s 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?"

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