piece de resistance
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The most important or impressive dish of a meal: The standout culinary item, often the main course or a special creation that is the highlight of the dining experience. 2. The outstanding or most important item in a collection, series, or event: The prize piece, main exhibit, or crowning achievement that is considered the best or most significant part of something.
Usage Examples
- As the main dish of a meal:
- The chef's piece de resistance was a perfectly roasted duck with a cherry glaze.
- After several appetizers, the piece de resistance arrived: a magnificent seafood platter.
- As the outstanding item in a collection or event:
- The museum's piece de resistance is a rare painting by Van Gogh.
- The final song, a complex symphony, was the concert's piece de resistance.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used metaphorically to describe the climax or best part of any process, presentation, or creative work.
- After months of preparation, the piece de resistance of the marketing campaign was the stunning Super Bowl commercial.
Variants and Related Words
- Masterpiece (n): A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. While similar, "masterpiece" is more general and often refers to a complete, standalone work of art, whereas "piece de resistance" is the highlight a larger set or meal.
- Crowning achievement (n): The greatest achievement, often the culmination of one's efforts.
- Centerpiece (n): An item or issue intended to be a focus of attention. "Centerpiece" is more common for physical displays or central topics, while "piece de resistance" implies supreme quality or importance.
Synonyms
- Highlight
- Masterpiece (in context)
- Showpiece
- Crowning glory
- Prize exhibit
Notes on Usage
- Piece de resistance is a loan phrase from French, meaning literally "piece of resistance." It retains its original French spelling and is typically italicized in formal writing, though common usage often omits the italics.
- It is used to express admiration and signify that something is the best part of a larger whole.
Noun
- the most important dish of a meal
- the outstanding item (the prize piece or main exhibit) in a collection