# jack of all trades, master of none

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person who has a competent grasp of many skills but who is not outstanding in any one.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.