Nice work if you can get it
phrase
An understatement for expressing that a job or position is highly desirable, often because it is well-paid or easy.
Being a movie star – nice work if you can get it.
Often appears as...
- that's nice work if you can get it
- it's nice work if you can get it
Usage tips
Slightly ironic
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
An understatement for expressing that a job or position is highly desirable, often because it is well-paid or easy.
Being a movie star – nice work if you can get it.
Often appears as...
- that's nice work if you can get it
- it's nice work if you can get it
Usage tips
Slightly ironic
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Sarcasm Potential
The phrase is often used sarcastically to comment on a job that's unattainable or unrealistic for most people.
A personal chef and a butler, huh? Nice work if you can get it.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Reference
This phrase may relate to show tunes; originated from a popular song in the 1930s from the musical 'A Damsel in Distress'.
He's quoting that old musical again: 'nice work if you can get it'.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Context
Use it in casual conversations, as it may be too informal for official or serious contexts.
He landed a job testing video games all day – nice work if you can get it.
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