Down To The Short Strokes Meaning

(idiomatic) In the final steps or decisive phase of an undertaking, especially one which has been lengthy or laborious.

Example: 1992, "Bembenek Doe near completion," Milwaukee Sentinel, 10 June, p. 12A (retrieved 29 May 2009):
  "I would say we are down to the short strokes, down to the cleanup phase" of the investigation, said E. Campion Kersten, a Fox Point lawyer.