pièce de résistance
Chef's crowning achievement
A pièce de résistance is the outstanding item in a group—the showpiece, the crowning achievement.
Originally French for the main course of a meal, it now applies to any collection where one element stands above the rest: The pièce de résistance of the auction was a Vermeer.
The phrase retains its French spelling and pronunciation.
Supreme artistic achievement
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
- tour de forceExceptional feat of skill
- showpiecePrized display item
- crowning gloryGreatest achievement or hair
masterwork · triumph · pinnacle · apex · zenith · culmination · apotheosis · acme
Chef's most famous creation
- main coursePrimary dish served
- specialtyArea of expertise
- entréePrincipal dinner course
Center of interest
- main attractionPrimary point of interest
- starLuminous astronomical object
- highlightMost notable part
- showstopperSpectacular crowd-pleasing performance
crown jewel · jewel in the crown · feature · headliner · draw · main event · prize · treasure
masterpiece
Supreme artistic achievement
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
- tour de forceExceptional feat of skill
- showpiecePrized display item
crowning glory · masterwork · triumph · pinnacle · apex · zenith · culmination · apotheosis · acme · summit
signature dish
Chef's most famous creation
- main coursePrimary dish served
- specialtyArea of expertise
- entréePrincipal dinner course
focal point
Center of interest
- main attractionPrimary point of interest
- starLuminous astronomical object
- highlightMost notable part
showstopper · crown jewel · jewel in the crown · feature · headliner · draw · main event · prize · treasure · gem
- Excellence Termscream of the crop, top notch, gold standard, crème de la crème, best of the best
pièce de résistanceafterthought
Idea added belatedly
footnote · also-ran · filler · warm-up act · triviality
pièce de résistanceanticlimax
Disappointing conclusion after buildup
disappointment · letdown · dud · flop · lowlight
pièce de résistanceopening act
Preliminary concert performer
warm-up · warm-up act · preliminary · prelude · appetizer
resistance, irresistible, resisting, resisted, unresisting, irresistibly, nonresistant, resistor, resistive