by the piece (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "by the piece" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, often used in contexts related to pricing, sale, or distribution.

Phonetic Transcription

/bʌɪ ðə piːs/

Meaning and Usage

"By the piece" refers to a method of selling or distributing items individually instead of in bulk. It suggests that each item is considered separately, often leading to a different pricing structure.

Frequency of Use

This phrase is more common in written contexts, such as business, sales, and inventory discussions, although it can also be used in conversational speech, particularly in trade and retail contexts.

Example Sentences

1. The store sells fabric by the piece, allowing customers to buy just what they need.
   El almacén vende tela por pieza, permitiendo a los clientes comprar solo lo que necesitan.

2. I prefer to buy fruits by the piece rather than in a bag, so I can choose the ripest ones.
   Prefiero comprar frutas por pieza en lugar de en una bolsa, para poder elegir las más maduras.

3. At the flea market, you can find vintage items sold by the piece at great prices.
   En el mercado de pulgas, puedes encontrar artículos vintage vendidos por pieza a excelentes precios.

Idiomatic Expressions Involving "Piece"

While "by the piece" is a more technical term, the word "piece" is frequently used in various idiomatic expressions in English.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. A piece of cake, this project will take less than an hour.
   Un trozo de pastel, este proyecto tomará menos de una hora.

2. He gave me a piece of his mind after I borrowed his car without asking.
   Él me dio una pieza de su mente después de que tomé su auto sin preguntar.

3. She is the missing piece of the puzzle; without her, we can't finish the project.
   Ella es la pieza que falta en el rompecabezas; sin ella, no podemos terminar el proyecto.

4. Let's take it one piece at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
   Tomemos una pieza a la vez para evitar sentirnos abrumados.

5. That’s just part of the piece; everyone experiences ups and downs in life.
   Eso es solo parte de la pieza; todos experimentan altibajos en la vida.

Etymology

The phrase "by the piece" derives from the Old French word "piece," which means a part or share of something. Its usage has evolved in English, particularly in contexts involving commerce and transactions, to denote the unit-by-unit sale method.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: individually, separately, per item
Antonyms: in bulk, wholesale, collectively