handiwork

handiwork — noun

1. objects or decorative items made by hand using skill, such as embroidery, woodca

1.名詞B1
釋義

objects or decorative items made by hand using skill, such as embroidery, woodcarving, or pottery; also the activity of making such items.

例句

The carved panels on the temple walls are the handiwork of Ming-dynasty craftsmen.

be the handiwork of + skilled artisan group

Noor displayed her handiwork at the local fair, including embroidered scarves and knitted baby blankets.

display someone's handiwork (at an event)

同義詞
  • handicraft

    countable; refers more narrowly to the finished object (e.g. 'a handicraft' = one item), whereas handiwork can mean both the activity and the result.

  • craftsmanship

    focuses on the skill and quality of making rather than the objects themselves; slightly more formal.

  • needlework

    specific to sewing and embroidery; handiwork is the broader term.

文法句型

be the handiwork of + [skilled person/group]

someone's handiwork

用法筆記

Handiwork in this sense applies to skilled manual creation (sewing, pottery, woodwork, carving). It does NOT describe everyday manual labour such as cleaning or digging — use 'manual work' or 'labour' for those.

常見錯誤

❌She bought several handiworks at the market.
✅She bought several pieces of handiwork at the market.
💡handiwork is uncountable and cannot take a plural -s.
❌The plumber did good handiwork fixing the pipe.
✅The plumber did good work fixing the pipe.
💡handiwork implies artistic or decorative skill, not routine repair.

2. the result of someone's actions, especially when those actions created a mess, c

2.名詞B2
釋義

the result of someone's actions, especially when those actions created a mess, caused damage, or left an unwelcome situation — said with a tone ranging from amused teasing to open accusation.

例句

Flour and broken eggs covered the kitchen — the handiwork of Felipe and his niece.

be the handiwork of + person responsible (mess/chaos context)

The principal saw the graffiti on the cafeteria wall and asked, 'Is this artistic handiwork?'

ironic question: 'someone's handiwork'

同義詞
  • doing

    informal; 'Is this your doing?' is a neutral alternative without the ironic flavour.

  • fault

    more directly accusatory and less playful than handiwork in this sense.

  • work

    neutral; used in 'the work of vandals' — handiwork adds a wry or critical tone.

文法句型

be the handiwork of + [person/group responsible]

someone's handiwork

用法筆記

Frequently used in questions or exclamations: 'Is this your handiwork?' or 'So, this is your handiwork?' The tone is often ironic or half-joking, even when the situation is genuinely frustrating. Distinguish from sense 1: in sense 2, no actual handcrafting skill is implied.

常見錯誤

❌The painting was the handiwork of a famous artist.' (if meaning genuine praise)
✅The painting was the work of a famous artist.
💡sense 2 of handiwork carries a negative or ironic tone; for positive achievement, use 'work' or 'creation'.
❌His handiworks include several broken vases.
✅His handiwork includes several broken vases.
💡handiwork is uncountable in both senses.