tour-de-force
Meaning
An outstanding and brilliant achievement or performance that demonstrates great skill or mastery.
Usage
The novel's intricate plot and flawless prose make it a true tour-de-force of modern literature.
The pianist's performance of the concerto was a breathtaking tour-de-force.
The engineer's solution to the structural problem was hailed as a tour-de-force of innovative design.
Etymology
The term 'tour-de-force' is a direct borrowing from French, entering English in the early 19th century. Literally meaning "feat of strength," it originally described a masterful or ingenious act in fields like engineering or the arts. The logic of the phrase lies in the metaphorical use of physical strength ('force') to represent exceptional skill, and a 'tour' as a remarkable turn or display of that ability. Over time, its usage broadened to describe any brilliantly executed and impressive achievement, from a literary work to a strategic maneuver, while retaining its core sense of a demonstration of supreme mastery.
Analysis
This is a loan phrase from French. It is not segmented into English morphemes. The phrase is composed of the French words 'tour' (turn, feat, trick), 'de' (of), and 'force' (strength, power).