I had a boss years ago that would use the term "down to the short strokes" when describing a project close to completion.

Tell the guy to "stroke it."

Interesting read on "cutting a check:"

In Jewish custom before and around 1 AD, legal contracts between parties involved a cutting rite. The most easily identifiable examples are recorded in the OT. "Cutting a check" would be a form of a contract or agreement between two or more parties.

Checks did not exist in 1 AD. Checks first appeared in the United States around 1781, with the formation of the Bank of North America. Printed checks existed in England somewhat earlier around 1720, with banks formed from earlier goldsmiths bankers. "Cutting a check" actually refers to the cutting out of a printed check from a larger printed sheet. Perforation was not used in these early days of checks. A small blade or knife was used to cut out the check. Hence, "cutting a check" meant you were producing a check for payment. Often the swerved cut from the blade was used to later match up the record stub and cut out check.


Read more: What is the origin of the phrase cut a check

And 'cutting a PO' is the same?

I see that you are from Sac so you likely know Tom Sullivan ...radio host. I heard him use that phrase on the air a time or two. Seemed like he didn't realize what that really means. I laughed my azz off. Someone must have told him cuz I never hear him say that any more....

No, I believe that's "stroking a PO". :p

I get a call from the accounting guy no more than an hour ago and he says, "Come on down to my office and I'll stroke you a check." Honest to god I half expected to walk in to his office and see him hunched over himself pounding away until the "money shot", whereby he turns around and hands me the check he just "stroked".

Can't you just WRITE me the damn check fer chrissakes!!!