too many chefs spoil the broth, be chief cook and bottle washer, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen

pastry chef, executive chef, line chef

Formal and Informal Expressions of chef

In different contexts, you can replace 'chef' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'culinarian' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'cook, foodie' is a commonplace synonym.

chef: Explore its Definition & Usage

chef Definition

a professional cook who is in charge of a kitchen or a section of a kitchen, typically in a restaurant.

Using chef: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chef" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.
Example
He worked as a chef in a five-star hotel.
Example
She trained to become a chef at a culinary school.
Example
The restaurant hired a new chef to revamp their menu.

chef Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for chef

cook
culinarian
caterer
sous chef
head chef

Idioms Using chef

too many chefs spoil the broth
when too many people are involved in a task, it can lead to confusion and mistakes
Example
We need to have one person in charge, otherwise too many chefs will spoil the broth.
be chief cook and bottle washer
to be responsible for everything, including menial tasks
Example
As a small business owner, I have to be chief cook and bottle washer, doing everything from accounting to cleaning.
if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
if you can't handle the pressure or stress of a situation, you should leave
Example
Being a chef is a high-pressure job. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Phrases with chef

pastry chef
a chef who specializes in making pastries, desserts, and baked goods
Example
The pastry chef created a beautiful cake for the wedding.
executive chef
the head chef in a restaurant or hotel, responsible for managing the kitchen and creating menus
Example
The executive chef oversees all the food preparation and cooking in the restaurant.
line chef
a chef who works on a specific station or line in a kitchen, responsible for preparing certain dishes or ingredients
Example
The line chef was in charge of grilling the steaks.

Origins of chef

from French 'chef', meaning 'head'

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Summary: chef in Brief

A 'chef' [ʃef] is a professional cook who manages a kitchen or a section of a kitchen, usually in a restaurant. It involves preparing meals and creating menus, as well as managing staff. Examples include 'The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.' and 'She trained to become a chef at a culinary school.' Idioms like 'too many chefs spoil the broth' warn against involving too many people in a task, while 'if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen' highlights the high-pressure nature of the job.