That he did so was attributed to his exceptional skill in delicate negotiations with other service chiefs and with government ministers.

An anatomical draughtsman was a talented dogsbody in some places: though he had exceptional skill, he was not seen as a proper painter.

Doing so repeatedly over a long career requires exceptional skill and intelligence.

His intelligence work was largely connected with cryptography, and he showed exceptional skill at cryptanalysis.

Police have acknowledged the exceptional skill of the thieves.