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piece of work
01
used to refer to someone who is extremely unpleasant and overall a difficult person to deal with
Dialect
British
British
Disapproving
IdiomWhat is the origin of the idiom "piece of work" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "piece of work" is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 1800s and is believed to have evolved from the broader sense of "work," which can mean a task or creation that requires effort and skill. This phrase is often used to express frustration, surprise, or admiration about someone's character or behavior.
Examples
Dealing with that client was a nightmare. He's a difficult piece of work.
He is a real piece of work, always causing trouble and never taking responsibility for his actions.
02
a product produced or accomplished through the effort or activity or agency of a person or thing
