tour de force
Say it: toor duh FORSS /ˌtʊə də ˈfɔːs/ · noun phrase
What “tour de force” means
An achievement showing outstanding skill.
More precisely: A performance or achievement of outstanding skill.
Example: “Her keynote was a tour de force; the room was silent for a second after.”
When to use it
When strongly praising an exceptional performance or achievement, especially in reviews, usually with admiration and emphasis.
Memory trick
French for feat of strength: picture an achievement that makes people gasp in admiration.
Similar words
masterpiece, triumph, feat
Where it comes from
French, 'feat of strength'.
Quick check
An actor brilliantly plays six distinct characters in one demanding solo show. Critics call the performance…
a tour de force or a novelty?
Show the answer
a tour de force
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