🍖 Pièce de Résistance: Spotlighting the Star Attraction 🎬
pièce de résistance - The most notable or most highly prized feature of a group or series; the star attraction. Originally, from the 1790s or so, this French term always referred to a meal’s greatest delicacy (an appropriate matter of concern to French palates). By the mid-nineteenth century, the term had been transferred to other outstanding items, at least in English. Thackeray, in an essay (1840) about art, stated: “To supply the picture lover with the pièces de résistance of the feast.”
Synonyms
- Showstopper
- Crowning glory
- Gem of the collection
- Star of the show
Antonyms
- Wallflower
- Background item
- Mediocrity
- Supporting act
Related Terms and Expressions
- Cherry on top 🍒: An additional thing that makes something good even better.
- Coup de maître 🎩: A masterstroke—a brilliant demonstration of skill or tact.
- Pièce maîtresse: A centerpiece; a main exhibit or showpiece.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “My pièce de résistance at family gatherings? The talent to disappear during dishwashing.” – Anonymous
- “Every dinner party has a pièce de résistance. At mine, it’s usually the takeout menu.” – Babble Enthusiast
Similar Proverbs
- “Every dog has its day.” – Highlighting that everyone (and every dish, apparently) will have a moment to shine.
- “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” – Truly understanding something often comes with experiencing it.
Literature, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Literature: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – Mr. Darcy often considered the pièce de résistance of Regency romance.
- Song: “My Way” by Frank Sinatra – An anthem to making one’s unique mark.
- Poetry: “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats – Celebrates the star feature of the natural world.
- Movie: “Amadeus” – The film’s portrayal of Mozart serves as its pièce de résistance, a music lover’s feast.
Intriguing and Engaging Titles:
- ✨ Brightest in the Room: Finding Your Pièce de Résistance 🌟
- 🍇 Crown Jewel Cuisine: The Art of the French Pièce de Résistance 🍷
- 🎬 Star of the Show: Unearthing Life’s Greatest Treasures 🌟
### Which phrase can be a synonym for pièce de résistance?
- [x] Showstopper
- [ ] Wallflower
- [ ] Extra item
- [ ] Assistant
> **Explanation:** A “showstopper” is something so outstanding that it briefly stops the show, perfectly aligning with the essence of a pièce de résistance.
### True or False: The term pièce de résistance was first introduced in the 1800s.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. The term originated in the 1790s, primarily referring to a meal’s greatest delicacy before being applied more broadly.
### Choose the correct meaning of pièce de résistance.
- [ ] Background item
- [ ] Supporting act
- [x] Star attraction
- [ ] An ampersand
> **Explanation:** The literal and figurative meaning of pièce de résistance is the star attraction or something of the highest regard.
### In a grand feast setting, what would typically be the pièce de résistance?
- [x] The most notable or most highly prized dish
- [ ] The appetizer
- [ ] The tablecloth
- [ ] The cutlery
> **Explanation:** In its traditional sense, the pièce de résistance refers to the main attraction or the most notable dish at a feast.
### What type of idiom is pièce de résistance often compared to in English?
- [ ] Idioms about weather
- [ ] Money-related idioms
- [x] Terms highlighting excellence or superiority
- [ ] Sports-related phrases
> **Explanation:** Pièce de résistance is often compared to English idioms that highlight excellence or superiority such as showstopper and crowning glory.
Even in life, strive for your pièce de résistance. Sometimes, your star features aren’t where you think. Explore, evolve, and embrace your unique spotlight moments.
G. Artiste Delicacy, October 2023
