Piece De Resistance (Noun)
Meaning 1
The most important dish of a meal.
Classification
Nouns denoting foods and drinks.
Examples
- The roasted duck l'orange was the pièce de résistance of the dinner party, and everyone waited eagerly for it to be served.
- At the French restaurant, the chef's specialty was a delicate filet mignon that served as the pièce de résistance of the tasting menu.
- After several appetizers and side dishes, the main course of pan-seared salmon was the pièce de résistance that stole the show.
- The family gathering wouldn't be complete without Grandma's famous homemade lasagna, the pièce de résistance that everyone looked forward to all year.
- At the upscale wedding reception, the pièce de résistance was a decadent chocolate fountain that the guests indulged in for hours.
Meaning 2
The outstanding item (the prize piece or main exhibit) in a collection.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The museum's collection of ancient artifacts was impressive, but the golden statue of the pharaoh was the true pièce de résistance.
- The art gallery's newest exhibit featured works by several local artists, but the massive sculpture in the center of the room was the pièce de résistance.
- The chef's special menu was a culinary journey around the world, but the decadent chocolate cake was the pièce de résistance.
- The antique shop was filled with rare and valuable items, but the vintage diamond necklace was the pièce de résistance.
- The fireworks display was a spectacular show, but the final explosion of colorful sparks was the pièce de résistance.