a nasty piece of work

A difficult or disagreeable person or thing. His secretary is a nasty piece of work, always snapping at people for no reason. I know you're not excited about this family vacation, but please, don't be a nasty piece of work the whole time. This virus is a nasty piece of work. It's already infected millions of users.

See also: nasty, of, piece, work

a nasty piece of work

If someone is a nasty piece of work, they are very unpleasant. What about the husband, then? He's a real nasty piece of work. Note: Sometimes people use bit instead of piece, or use another adjective instead of nasty. He was a killer and a conman — an all-round nasty bit of work. She was a dreadful piece of work and anyone with eyes could have seen that.

See also: nasty, of, piece, work

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

a nasty piece (or bit) of work

an unpleasant or untrustworthy person. informal

See also: nasty, of, piece, work

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

a nasty piece of ˈwork

(British English, informal) a very unpleasant and dangerous person: Keep away from Bill Smith — he’s a very nasty piece of work. ♢ The factory manager was a nasty piece of work. We were all terrified of him.

See also: nasty, of, piece, work

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Said king, Olive, has been imprisoned for the past three years by his evil brother and usurper Boonder, a nasty piece of work who likes to put worms in his hair.

Allen, Will. Swords for hire

One said: "He was a nasty piece of work and had enemies."

Millionaire shot dead in car scrapyard riddle

This week a prime time documentary was dedicated to him, and a monstering by TV's Eddie Mair on which he was (probably accurately) labelled a nasty piece of work put him where he most likes to be - centre stage.

Boris IS nasty,but at least he isn't dull

But Mr Johnson, called a nasty piece of work by Mr Mair, tried to brush aside the 15-minute grilling that dealt a big blow to any hopes he had of becoming Prime Minister.

If a BBC presenter can't attack a nasty Tory politician what's the world coming to? DAD FURIOUS BUT BOJO SAYS.

But Mr Johnson - called "a nasty piece of work" by Mr Mair - tried to brush aside the 15-minute grilling that dealt a big blow to any hopes he had of becoming Prime Minister.

If a BBC presenter can't have a bash at a nasty Tory politician what is the world coming to? DAD FURIOUS BUT BOJO SAYS.

Now Owen may be a nasty piece of work, but what gives Chelsea the right to lecture anybody about anything is unclear.

YourLIFE: WE LOVE TELLY! - SOAPWATCH EASTENDERS BBC1, 8pm

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.