The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word MOSAIC
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
O
S
A
I
C
More clues leading to the result MOSAIC
- Fragmented picture of Biblical patriarch
- Host clutching very large and fine decoration
- Flash bag holding one’s artwork
- Second pouch containing one artwork
- Tile pattern created by Aaron’s brother?
- Work of art describing Jewish lawgiver
- Artwork made in two seconds by da Vinci, ignoring the odds
- Operating system in iMac involved a collection of bits
- Work in pieces — big one breaking microphone
- Doctor’s account about one work of decorative art
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Work in pieces" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case work in pieces = mosaic.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MOSAIC mean?
MOSAIC noun- A piece of artwork created by placing colored squares (usually tiles) in a pattern so as to create a picture.
- An individual composed of two or more cell lines of different genetic or chromosomal constitution, but from the same zygote.
- Any of several viral diseases that cause mosaic-like patterns to appear on leaves.
- A composite picture made from overlapping photographs.
- (of an individual) Containing cells of varying genetic constitution.