Jack-of-all-trades

A 'jack-of-all-trades' is a person skilled in many trades or occupations, often able to perform a variety of tasks competently, though not necessarily mastering any one of them. This term suggests versatility and adaptability, encompassing individuals who possess a broad range of practical knowledge and abilities. While they can handle diverse challenges, they might lack the specialized expertise of a dedicated professional in a single field. The expression often carries a sense of resourcefulness and self-reliance, someone who can "turn their hand to" various jobs or projects. They are generalists, rather than specialists, excelling at a wide scope of practical and everyday skills. It describes individuals that can apply themselves to many skills.

Jack-of-all-trades meaning with examples

• The repair shop owner was a true jack-of-all-trades, fixing everything from cars to washing machines. He could diagnose and mend almost any mechanical problem, offering customers a convenient one-stop solution. His diverse skill set attracted a wide clientele seeking an affordable and efficient service. This allowed him to stay in business through the changing times, as his knowledge and expertise was consistently sought.
• During the renovation project, Sarah proved to be a jack-of-all-trades. She handled painting, carpentry, and plumbing repairs with equal ease. Her ability to manage multiple tasks and switch between different jobs saved the homeowners significant time and expenses, making her an invaluable asset to the undertaking. They were very happy that she was working on their project.
• In the early days of the company, the founder was a jack-of-all-trades, juggling marketing, sales, and product development simultaneously. He was the face of the company, constantly adapting to the needs of the business and making all the vital decisions, proving he could overcome any obstacle that he needed.
• My grandfather, a farmer, was a jack-of-all-trades, building his own fences, repairing machinery, and even assisting his wife in the kitchen. He was able to solve every problem that came up for himself, and for all the other workers on the farm. This ability to tackle such a wide range of tasks allowed the farm to operate efficiently and independently.
• When the power went out, my neighbor, a jack-of-all-trades, quickly located the problem and fixed the circuit. He was able to solve the electrical issue at hand, and made sure the power went back on within the hour. With the electricity back on, the whole neighborhood cheered his quick thinking and decisive action.