jack-of-all-trades

Paul

I'm going to teach you a piece of authentic English that describes me. Any guesses what it might be?

Lucy

Ha! No, one that describes my many talents. Err… full of yourself?It's 'jack-of-all-trades'.

Paul

It doesn't have to be for this phrase. A jack-of-all-trades is someone who can do many kinds of jobs – you could say they're multi-skilled.

Lucy

我逗你玩儿呢！I know this phrase but it just doesn't describe you! 在英语里，jack-of-all-trades 用来形容一位多才多艺的“多面手、万事通”，它可以指男性或女性。

Paul

Look, let me tell you what I can do, while we hear some more examples. OK?!

Examples

If you need any work doing to your house, get my Dad round – he's a jack-of-all-trades!

Jane's got a great business – she runs a cafe where she makes and sells the cakes, she does the marketing and her own accounting – she really is a jack-of-all-trades.

Lucy

Jack-of-all-trades 常用来形容能身兼多职的人，我们也可以称他们为“all-rounder”。 But sorry Neil, making the tea and presenting Authentic Real English does not make you a jack-of-all-trades.

Paul

So you think I am a jack-of-some-trades? Don't forget I wrote this script, I can edit, I can make coffee as well as tea.

那你听过“jack-of-all-trades, master of none”这个说法吗？它的意思就是“杂而不精的人”，这类人被俗称为“万金油”。A real jack-of-all-trades can do many different jobs –all to a good standard.

Lucy

Right, well I'm off then.