"Jack of All Trades" Meaning and Examples

"Jack of all trades" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a person who has a wide range of skills or can do many different types of tasks competently, but they may not be an expert in any one particular area. The phrase is often used in a positive sense to indicate versatility and adaptability. This term describes a handy person who can passable work in various trades.

"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the complete phrase of "Jack of all trades." It is often used to describe someone who has a wide range of skills or abilities but may not be an expert in any one of them. The phrase implies that while the person is versatile and competent in many areas, they may lack the depth of expertise that a specialist or master in a particular field would have.

For instance, you may have two coworkers. The first coworker specializes in front-end development, while the second coworker does a bit of marketing, graphic design, front-end development, and even back-end development but does not have deep expertise in any of these fields. That second coworker is a jack of all trades who is proficient at various tasks but not necessarily an expert at any of them.

Example sentences

She's a real jack of all trades; she can fix the car, bake delicious cakes, and even repair plumbing issues.
John's a true jack of all trades at the office; he can handle everything from IT problems to graphic design.
Being a jack of all trades makes him a valuable member of the camping trip; he can set up tents, cook, and even play the guitar around the campfire.
The handyman is a jack of all trades; he can tackle any home improvement project, from painting to electrical work.
Mary's a jack of all trades when it comes to sports; she excels in swimming, tennis, and even soccer.
His ability to speak multiple languages makes him a jack of all trades in the international business world.
The mechanic at the garage is a jack of all trades; he can diagnose and fix engine issues, align tires, and even repair brakes.
In the theater, she's a jack of all trades, working as an actress, director, and stage manager.
As a jack of all trades in the kitchen, he can whip up gourmet meals or bake the most delectable desserts.
The software developer is a jack of all trades, proficient in various programming languages and frameworks.

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