jack of all trades, master of none
A person who has a competent grasp of many skills but who is not outstanding in any one.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is a jack of all trades, master of none.”
“She can fix cars, paint houses, and cook, but she is a jack of all trades, master of none.”
“While his broad knowledge makes him a useful assistant, he remains a jack of all trades, master of none, lacking the deep expertise required for the lead role.”
The term is an extension of the earlier *jack of all trades*, a phrase in which the name Jack serves as a generic identifier for a common man or laborer. While the modern iteration carries a note of disparagement, the sixteenth-century usage was frequently employed as a term of praise for a person of versatile ability.
In the 21st century, the phrase has undergone a further, though rare, expansion into a couplet. This addition—*though oftentimes better than master of one*—serves to rehabilitate the reputation of the generalist, suggesting that a broad range of competence is preferable to a single, narrow expertise.
- 01
bar none
Without exception; excluding nothing else of the same kind.
- 02
Buckley's and none
A supposed two chances (probabilities), being Buckley's chance (meaning a very small chance) or no chance at all.
- 03
carriage trade
Wealthy or upper-class people in general.
- 04
come from a Cracker Jack box
To obtain or retrieve something that is useless, cheap or fake.
- 05
have none of something
To be completely unwilling to accept or support something.
- 06
it's none of your business
It's a matter (especially a private or personal one) that you are not entitled to be involved in or informed about.
- 07
jack in
To stop doing a regular activity, such as a job or studying.
- 08
jack of all trades
One competent in many endeavours, sometimes regarded as not excelling in any of them.
Last updated August 10, 2026