A/some piece of work
noun phrase
A complicated or difficult person or thing.
She's really a piece of work, never doing what she's told.
Often appears as...
- he's a piece of work
- that's a piece of work
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun phrase
An impressive, extraordinary, or praiseworthy person or thing.
This new painting is some piece of work!
Often appears as...
- what a piece of work
- it's a piece of work
Usage tips
Approving
noun phrase
An art or craft item.
This is a lovely piece of work, did you make it?
Often appears as...
- showpiece of work
- fine piece of work
noun phrase
A complicated or difficult person or thing.
She's really a piece of work, never doing what she's told.
Often appears as...
- he's a piece of work
- that's a piece of work
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun phrase
An impressive, extraordinary, or praiseworthy person or thing.
This new painting is some piece of work!
Often appears as...
- what a piece of work
- it's a piece of work
Usage tips
Approving
noun phrase
An art or craft item.
This is a lovely piece of work, did you make it?
Often appears as...
- showpiece of work
- fine piece of work
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Slightly Negative
Suggests negative feelings towards a person or situation without being too harsh.
He missed another deadline; he's quite a piece of work.
Pro Tip 2/3Sarcastic Tone
Often used with a sarcastic tone to express disbelief or disapproval.
Left a mess again? You're some piece of work!
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Used in informal conversations among friends or colleagues, not in formal settings.
Our new neighbor argues about everything; he's a piece of work.
Pro Tip 1/3Slightly Negative
Suggests negative feelings towards a person or situation without being too harsh.
He missed another deadline; he's quite a piece of work.
Pro Tip 2/3Sarcastic Tone
Often used with a sarcastic tone to express disbelief or disapproval.
Left a mess again? You're some piece of work!
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Used in informal conversations among friends or colleagues, not in formal settings.
Our new neighbor argues about everything; he's a piece of work.
Pro Tip 1/3Slightly Negative
Suggests negative feelings towards a person or situation without being too harsh.
He missed another deadline; he's quite a piece of work.
Pro Tip 2/3Sarcastic Tone
Often used with a sarcastic tone to express disbelief or disapproval.
Left a mess again? You're some piece of work!
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
Used in informal conversations among friends or colleagues, not in formal settings.
Our new neighbor argues about everything; he's a piece of work.
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