piece · n
piece (ART/LITERATURE/MUSIC)
B2 an example of artistic, written, or musical work
Dictionary examples:
a beautiful piece of music (17.8)
an orchestral piece (25.8)
There was an interesting piece on alternative medicine in the newspaper yesterday. (31.4)
be a piece of cake
B2 to be very easy
Dictionary examples:
The exam itself was a piece of cake. (19.9)
go/fall to pieces
C2 If someone goes to pieces, they become so upset that they cannot control their feelings or think clearly.
Dictionary examples:
He went to pieces when his mother died. (23.1)
pick up the pieces
C2 to try to get back to an ordinary way of life after a difficult experience
Dictionary examples:
After Ruth's death, Joe found it hard to pick up the pieces and carry on. (30.4)
piece (PART)
A2 a part that has come from something bigger
Dictionary examples:
My dog ate a piece of my homework! (0.0)
The cat stole a piece of my birthday cake! (0.0)
I found a piece of pizza under my bed! (0.0)
The bowl was in pieces. (11.3)
a piece of cake (15.2)
She cut the pie into six pieces. (21.7)
The bowl fell on the floor and smashed to pieces. (50.0)
piece (SINGLE THING)
A2 a single object of a particular type
Dictionary examples:
My dog ate a piece of my homework! (0.0)
I need a piece of tape to fix my broken glasses. (0.0)
He used a piece of broccoli as a microphone! (0.0)
a piece of equipment/furniture (16.1)
a piece of fruit (21.6)
He handed me a piece of paper. (28.3)
piece (SINGLE AMOUNT)
B1 a single amount of a particular type of thing
Dictionary examples:
My dog ate a piece of my homework. Really, it did! (0.0)
My friend gave me a piece of gum. It tasted like socks! (0.0)
My grandma gave me a piece of advice: don't eat yellow snow! (0.0)
She gave me a very useful piece of advice. (13.3)
I have an interesting piece of information/news for you. (16.1)
bits and pieces
C2 small things or jobs which are not connected or not very important
Dictionary examples:
We've packed most of it up now, there are just a few bits and pieces left. (32.7)