Piece of work

Meaning

The idiom "piece of work" is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally skilled, talented, or successful in a particular task or area. It can also be used to describe an artwork or something that has been meticulously crafted or designed. The figurative meaning of the phrase suggests that the person or thing being described goes above and beyond what is expected and achieves great success.

Usage

• "She's a piece of work - she can juggle three balls at once while blindfolded!"
• "The sculpture is truly a masterpiece, it's a piece of work that will be admired for generations to come."
• "He's a real piece of work - he can solve complex problems in minutes."
• "The chef's dishes are always a piece of work, with their unique flavors and presentation."
• "She's a hard worker, always putting in extra effort to make sure the project is completed on time. She truly is a piece of work!"

Roots and History

The phrase "piece of work" has been used since at least the early 20th century and can be traced back to the idea of a "work of art". In its earliest uses, the phrase was used to describe something that had been meticulously crafted or designed, such as a painting or sculpture. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to describe someone or something that is exceptionally skilled or talented in a particular area. There are no known regional variations of this idiom.

Synonyms in English

• "Masters/Mistresses" - To refer to someone who is exceptionally skilled or talented in their field.
• "Expert" - Someone who has specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area.
• "Ace" - Someone who is highly skilled or competent, especially in sports.
• "Genius" - Someone who is extremely intelligent or talented.
• "Prodigy" - A person who shows an exceptional talent or ability at a very young age.

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "Maestro/a" - This phrase literally translates to "master" and is used to describe someone who is highly skilled or talented in their field.
• French - "Génial" - This word is used to describe someone who is exceptionally intelligent or talented. It can also be used to describe something that is brilliant or remarkable.
• German - "Genießen/n" - This phrase translates to "enjoy" and is used to describe something that is highly enjoyable or delightful. It can also be used to describe someone who enjoys life to the fullest.
• Italian - "Maestro/a" - As in Spanish, this phrase is used to describe someone who is highly skilled or talented in their field.
• Chinese - "天才/天才" - This phrase translates to "celestial genius" and is used to describe someone who is exceptionally intelligent or talented.

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