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WotD: Piece of work
The world is going through a very trying time.
Things are happening that our grandchildren will study in history class.
Piece of work is an idiom used in various contexts to describe someone’s personality, behaviour, or work.
When we refer to someone as a piece of work, we are expressing our disapproval or disbelief regarding their actions or characteristics.
This phrase is often used to highlight someone’s complex, challenging, or difficult nature, and it can convey a sense of frustration, exasperation, or even admiration.
Think Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, or, in Japan, Muneo Suzuki.
Pick any of the abovementioned people, and when someone says, “They are a real piece of work,” they are expressing their astonishment at the individual’s unconventional or troublesome behaviour.
Now, it doesn’t have to be all negative.
If someone remarks, “They are a remarkable piece of work!” they could be commending the person’s exceptional talents or remarkable personality.
Needless to say, no one says this about any of the reigning autocratic leaders dragging us closer and closer to the edge of WWIII.
In everyday conversations, ‘piece of work‘ is a term often used to describe individuals who are seen as puzzling, intriguing, troublesome, or even extraordinary.
Whether it’s used to depict a colleague’s challenging nature in the workplace or to express disbelief at a friend’s unconventional behaviour, this phrase is a colourful and vivid way to capture the complexity of human character and behaviour, making it a relatable part of our everyday language.
Piece of work is a colourful expression you can use to convey a wide range of thoughts and emotions.
It’s a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit.
So, the next time you encounter someone who leaves you puzzled, frustrated, or in awe, consider describing them as a piece of work to capture the intricacies of their personality or behaviour.
Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
This post is understandable by someone with at least a 10th-grade education (age 16).
On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 50.
The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100.
