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savoir-faire

know-how

noun sah-vwar-FAIR Rare

Usage Note

Savoir-faire is one of the French phrases adopted unchanged into English, but in French it has a broader scope than its English cousin: it means practical skill, social dexterity, and professional expertise all at once. A chef, a diplomat, or a craftsman can all be praised for their savoir-faire. The plural is unchanged: des savoir-faire.

Examples

"Son savoir-faire est reconnu dans le métier."

Natural Translation

His know-how is recognised in the trade.

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